AMD vs Ringer racing clutch

**Shhmaudi** · 10-03-2016 10:03 PM

I am thinking about doing another build. Looking for a clutch that will take a solid beating at 600+whp..

Looking for facts and actual experiences..

Hows pedal engagement? High? low? How long have you ran it? etc

**01audia4** · 10-04-2016 07:09 AM

Southbend - No i don't have one, I have a JHM B7 RS4, however I've heard first hand from someone who has had an AMD & southbend, they prefer their Southbend. AMD fanboys will say there is no better clutch than theirs.

**Mark00s4** · 10-04-2016 07:36 AM

south bend is a 4 or 6 puck correct at that power level.? how is the engagement and mileage?

**getslideways** · 10-04-2016 10:07 AM

Just installed an AMD "Stage 3+" in a new RS6 project car with a refinished factory Dual Mass flywheel. Finished the initial bleeding of a new slave yesterday but the build itself isnt yet buttoned up yet to know for sure. So far the pedal feel is surprisingly light, and the engagement is predictable. Although I have only moved the car in and out of the shop thus far and on and off of the lift. So I cannot give a full blown evaluation. However, thus far I am presently surprised as I was fearing it would act more more like what is found on traditional grabby 6 puck clutches (granted the AMD is an 8 puck).

Once I get the chance to wrap everything up and put some actual road miles on it, I will be able to give a better real world review of my experience.

**NOTORIOUS VR** · 10-04-2016 11:04 AM

Clutch threads are like oil threads... everyone has their flavor and most of it is all anecdotal to boot.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the popular/tested kits out there, most failures will come from driving style and abuse....

**Shhmaudi** · 10-04-2016 11:43 AM

I agree people will always Jock their brands. I am more interested in real life data and numbers being put down with that particular setup. Engagement, power capacity, smoothness. Longevity and other shit is subjective..

For instance: my FX400 6 puck held up to all the abuse(100+ launches/NLS) I could throw at it with a maxed out k24 car on E85 W/stock block. Ball park ~500whp for just shy of 30k till my 3rd gear took a shit.. Pedal engagement was at the top, and sometimes when doing log runs the pedal would stick half way after the WOT pull in 3rd..

**TighTT** · 10-04-2016 01:03 PM

3 liter car, 770's, built heads, 3 pumps with larger lines, 679whp running a ringer racing stage 4 plus clutch with light flywheel. Pedal pressure is light but not TOO light (IMO), engagement is smooth most of the time (shudders a tiny bit here and there but very minimal) and has held up for the 1400 miles that its been on the car (1000 of which were break-in miles). We'll see how it holds up long-term. I would not be comfortable launching it.

**Shhmaudi** · 10-05-2016 03:04 PM

Originally Posted by TighTT

3 liter car, 770's, built heads, 3 pumps with larger lines, 679whp running a ringer racing stage 4 plus clutch with light flywheel. Pedal pressure is light but not TOO light (IMO), engagement is smooth most of the time (shudders a tiny bit here and there but very minimal) and has held up for the 1400 miles that its been on the car (1000 of which were break-in miles). We'll see how it holds up long-term. I would not be comfortable launching it.

Nice!! Turn up the booooost!!

**gmdiluca** · 10-05-2016 06:59 PM

I have an AMD stage 3+ on my K24 stock block. The pedal feel is pretty much identical to stock which is really nice. It's engages pretty high up but I like it like that. It's mated to a TTV flywheel. It makes some noises down low in the rpm range but I guess that's normal. It's also VERY grabby. Only done 4 launches. Held up fine, clutched bogged one of the 4 times. So far I dont mind it though

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**Shhmaudi** · 10-05-2016 11:18 PM

I prefer high engagement too, are you running E85?

**rguil** · 10-05-2016 11:24 PM

I just bought the stage 4 today. How long did it take for you guys to get yours from amd?

**y3ti** · 10-05-2016 11:27 PM

Originally Posted by rguil

I just bought the stage 4 today. How long did it take for you guys to get yours from amd?

I had my amd stg 4 in a few days. Drop shipped from clutchmasters.

**rguil** · 10-05-2016 11:36 PM

Originally Posted by y3ti

I had my amd stg 4 in a few days. Drop shipped from clutchmasters.

wait, amd clutches are clutchmaster clutches? is it just a fx400?

**y3ti** · 10-05-2016 11:41 PM

Originally Posted by rguil

wait, amd clutches are clutchmaster clutches? is it just a fx400?

Not exactly sure, but I think it's a custom clutch made to AMD's specs.

The shipping label shows it shipped from CM in CA.

**Shhmaudi** · 10-05-2016 11:50 PM

Originally Posted by y3ti

Not exactly sure, but I think it's a custom clutch made to AMD's specs.

The shipping label shows it shipped from CM in CA.

whoa, interesting..

Shit if thats the case I might as well source a LUK B7 RS4 kit and run the TTV flywheel with a custom disc and save myself a few bucks..

**y3ti** · 10-05-2016 11:56 PM

I believe the AMD is a modified B7 RS4 PP. So a stock B7 RS4 PP won't have the same clamping force.

**TighTT** · 10-06-2016 06:04 AM

Originally Posted by Shhmaudi

Nice!! Turn up the booooost!!

36psi and counting.

**julex** · 10-06-2016 10:42 AM

AMD are custom made by CM. They modify B7 RS4 PP to work with B5 FW and at the same time they tinker with diphragm to get more clamping force, presumably at the expense of total travel so I think they simply change pivot point.

**Peter1.8t** · 10-06-2016 12:58 PM

Originally Posted by julex

AMD are custom made by CM. They modify B7 RS4 PP to work with B5 FW and at the same time they tinker with diphragm to get more clamping force, presumably at the expense of total travel so I think they simply change pivot point.

Correct. They started as a Luk, then go to ClutchMasters to be modified to whatever specs AMD specified. Not 100% sure on the details but clamping force is definitely increased, as well as whatever friction material you decide to go with.

The Ringer Racing is also a private label Clutch Masters clutch package from my understanding. Not sure what it starts as though.

I think at this point I've had more AMD clutches than anyone in my cars. The S4 had an AMD stage 3 clutch put in at 105k. TOB plastic failed at around 150k. Clutch still looked like it could have gone a couple more years. So I replaced with another AMD stage 3 clutch. At 182k now on the s4 and it still feels great. Changed my commute so I won't be sitting in as much traffic, so I expect it to last a bit longer than the last one.

When I bought my RS4, it already had an AMD stage 4 clutch in it. Definitely more grabby and aggressive than the stage 3 clutch. That exhibited some kind of weird behavior after about 20k miles on it. Wasn't sure what it was so we replaced the clutch, and all the hydraulics since the trans was going to be out. It now has an AMD 3+ I think. Way more streetable than the 4. Recently broke it in and it feels great just like the clutch in my s4.

Also had a SB clutch in my A4 back in the day. Don't remember which one it was but it was fine for k04 1.8t power levels. The engagement was different than stock, where as the AMD clutches feel like the stock pedal.

**rguil** · 10-06-2016 04:42 PM

Anyone know how amds 6 puck friction material compares to other 6 puck material on the market? I was cheap and bought the project b5 6 puck clutch last time and parts of the friction surface broke off after only 2000 miles. Dont want that to happen again

**Mark00s4** · 10-06-2016 06:37 PM

anyone have experienced with spec 3+ ?

**Peter1.8t** · 10-06-2016 09:21 PM

Originally Posted by rguil

Anyone know how amds 6 puck friction material compares to other 6 puck material on the market? I was cheap and bought the project b5 6 puck clutch last time and parts of the friction surface broke off after only 2000 miles. Dont want that to happen again

I can assure you they are not the same. Launched mine, flat shifted it. It held everything just fine.

Nick from project B5 always pops into threads and talks about how great their clutch is, but I've heard more bad than good. Of course he is going to talk it up because it's more money in his pocket if he makes a sale. So I think the saying you get what you pay for applies here.

**zillarob** · 10-06-2016 09:39 PM

Originally Posted by Mark00s4

anyone have experienced with spec 3+ ?

Ive put 2 in, 605 and 770 cars. EPL recommended them. These are the b5 3+, not the less expensive conversion 5cyl 3+.
They are nice driving clutches and seem to be going the distance. The 605 car is a dd and was put together like 4 yrs ago, 770 is prob 2yrs.

They are smooth in normal driving, but get grabby if you heat them up. Not terrible, but stop and go traffic might be annoying.
Spec also gets a pretty bad rap when it comes to customer service.

**rguil** · 10-06-2016 09:51 PM

Yeah, the project b5 clutch it isnt bad for 150$ if you just want to get down the road

**LightningLou** · 10-07-2016 12:15 AM

Ringer stage 4 here and holding up great so far to about 500whp. Very consistent clutch feel and not too grabby at all which I like.

**Turbo Nerd** · 10-07-2016 11:24 AM

Mike Hood is a good friend of mine but I cannot say I've installed or drove any of his clutches. However, I have installed and drove plenty of AMD clutches (stage 2, stage 3, 4 stage 3 plus's, and two stage 4's). My favorite out of the bunch was the stage 4 with the sintered iron which is a 6 puck. The 3 plus is a 8 pad and is my next favorite, 9 launches back to back and didn't slip once but had to stop because the rear diff exploded (605.2's, 36psi, E85). It's a good idea to do a clutch stop but we never did it.

**TighTT** · 10-07-2016 02:24 PM

Originally Posted by Turbo Nerd

Mike Hood is a good friend of mine but I cannot say I've installed or drove any of his clutches. However, I have installed and drove plenty of AMD clutches (stage 2, stage 3, 4 stage 3 plus's, and two stage 4's). My favorite out of the bunch was the stage 4 with the sintered iron which is a 6 puck. The 3 plus is a 8 pad and is my next favorite, 9 launches back to back and didn't slip once but had to stop because the rear diff exploded (605.2's, 36psi, E85). It's a good idea to do a clutch stop but we never did it.

What makes the stage 4 your favorite? How does it drive?

**zillarob** · 10-07-2016 02:29 PM

I would guess terribly as a daily. Ive only played with the 8 puck, and its grabby as hell.

**sxC** · 10-08-2016 09:06 AM

Originally Posted by getslideways

Just installed an AMD "Stage 3+" in a new RS6 project car with a refinished factory Dual Mass flywheel. Finished the initial bleeding of a new slave yesterday but the build itself isnt yet buttoned up yet to know for sure. So far the pedal feel is surprisingly light, and the engagement is predictable. Although I have only moved the car in and out of the shop thus far and on and off of the lift. So I cannot give a full blown evaluation. However, thus far I am presently surprised as I was fearing it would act more more like what is found on traditional grabby 6 puck clutches (granted the AMD is an 8 puck).

Once I get the chance to wrap everything up and put some actual road miles on it, I will be able to give a better real world review of my experience.

The AMD 3+ feels as easy as stock when installed. Also have the USP metal slave. RS6 turbos, so far no slipping under WOT. Engagement is at the top and is near-instant.

**Shhmaudi** · 10-08-2016 11:28 AM

Originally Posted by julex

AMD are custom made by CM. They modify B7 RS4 PP to work with B5 FW and at the same time they tinker with diphragm to get more clamping force, presumably at the expense of total travel so I think they simply change pivot point.

Thanks for the clarification, I thought they modified the PP but wasnt sure.. Makes sense, since the 3+ can hold 825ftlb to the crank

Originally Posted by TighTT

36psi and counting.

you on 93 pump?

Great info guys! I am really considering the AMD 3+ kit.. However, that being said I reached out to clutchnet and they are able to modify the B7 RS4 PP to increase clamping force and pair it with a 6 puck sintered ceramic disc.. After adding it up, looks like it will be ~$625 if I get the LUK repset off rock auto for $148 shipped, which leaves me with a difference of ~175 to throw at a TTV FW. I guess at this point the question is.... Play it safe and go with tested/ proven or blaze the trail and save a few bucks and give clutch net a run?

Anyone have any experience with clutchnet in any of their builds audi or not?

**zillarob** · 10-08-2016 11:51 AM

Have you hit up jhm to see what their b7/stg4 is good for? If the stg4 will do it, it drives way better than any ceramic disk ever will.
Price is good, mileage is good, and they drive dang close to stock.

The amd is going to be grabby just like the fx400.
The pp does make the pedal and engagement point better, and the sac will help get more miles out of it though.

**Shhmaudi** · 10-08-2016 12:17 PM

Originally Posted by zillarob

Have you hit up jhm to see what their b7/stg4 is good for? If the stg4 will do it, it drives way better than any ceramic disk ever will.
Price is good, mileage is good, and they drive dang close to stock.

The amd is going to be grabby just like the fx400.
The pp does make the pedal and engagement point better, and the sac will help get more miles out of it though.

Yea I browsed the JHM website and it looked like it was a couple hundo more than the AMD value.. On this round my main goal is to get a clutch that will hold everything I can throw at it like my FX400 did but I want a better pedal feel and I think the modified B7 Rs4 with a SAC mech will help out with that.. I dont really mind the grabby/pucky feel as I have gotten used to it and was able to get pretty good mileage out of it. (shy 30k and just now starting to slip on NLS 2nd-3rd) I would like to get at least 30k out of this next clutch whatever it will be.

Peter you think I could pull 60k out of a AMD 3+ unit w/ around 600whp? I'd probably hit the drag strip once a year.. rest will be street launched, NL shiftin, BMW slayin, freeway lambo roll racin

**zillarob** · 10-08-2016 12:30 PM

A couple hundo $$ more, or couple hundo ft/lb more?
If $$, it comes with a fw.
If ft/lb, then its a no brainer.

Does sound like the way drive you will be best off with a ceramic. They are usually pretty bulletproof and handle whoopins well.

**Shhmaudi** · 10-09-2016 02:24 PM

Originally Posted by zillarob

A couple hundo $$ more, or couple hundo ft/lb more?
If $$, it comes with a fw.
If ft/lb, then its a no brainer.

Does sound like the way drive you will be best off with a ceramic. They are usually pretty bulletproof and handle whoopins well.

I was referring to $$$ but I didnt realize it came with the FW. I think its still a toss up between the AMD or clutchnet.

**Peter1.8t** · 10-09-2016 10:53 PM

Originally Posted by TighTT

What makes the stage 4 your favorite? How does it drive?

As far as pedal pressure went it feels the same as the other AMD clutches. Engagement is more toward the bottom where as the others are at the top. Very grabby but still able to slip it if you need to. Took a couple days to get used to compared to the 3. It took everything I threw at it, Launch control, flat shift, daily traffic, city driving, etc although my RS4 is supercharged so not a direct comparison as some of the big turbo 2.7t cars make a considerable more amount of torque. Even when I replaced it the clutch disk itself looked like it could have gone much longer.

**julex** · 10-10-2016 07:09 AM

VER VERY Important point to AMD 1/2/3/3+ set up is that it is a marcel style clutch disc and only for that feature alone, on a daily driven car, I would not consider any other option that doesn't have marcel springs in it. This is solely why AMD 1/2/3/3+ is so easy to engage and drive in traffic.

TO poster above, after spending mountains of money on several clutch set ups, it is just about the last area where I would experiment. I'd go with a proven set up.

**slow ride** · 10-10-2016 07:17 AM

And the fact it still has the SAC to extend clutch life.

**zillarob** · 10-10-2016 03:36 PM

If they are built on an oem center they will have the marcels, but the way the facings are riveted on often smashes them flat and makes them ineffective.