Anybody have ECS and Southbend Stage 2?

[Heed]

Haven't seen any reviews on this Southbend Stage 2 Endurance set up:

https://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B8_S4...tch/ES2826504/

I'm the second owner of an APR Stage 2 manual B8.5, I suspect my clutch slips because the previous owner launched it a few times.

I'm a pretty conservative driver and I may (or may not) autocross my car. I would go for a stage 2 or 3 clutch from either Southbend/ECS or Eurocode, but two local shops have cautioned me about aftermarket flywheels (unfortunately neither Eurocode nor Southbend Stage 2 clutches will work with an OEM dual mass flywheel).

So, either I go OEM flywheel and Southbend Stage 1 (not sure how much extra torque that gets me over OEM clutch) or

ECS/Southbend Stage 2 clutch and flywheel or (no reviews on forums as far as I can tell).

Eurocode Stage 2 clutch and flywheel (could only find Vogz's review on the forums, which was positive)

Anybody had good or bad luck with the Southbend Stage 2 or 3? Southbend has a pretty good reputation, but I think there are so few of our cars that there aren't any reviews

[EHesh14]

I recently found out that my JHM "stage 3" clutch was South Bend Stage 2 Endurance clutch that Jhm rebranded. It's very easy on my left leg, grabs excellent paired with the jhm lwfw, but it will not hold up to even a stage 2 single pulley setup and full bolt ons. It lasted 22k miles and one year, with no more than 2 launches, and proper break in. Stage 3 SB clutches come with a single mass STEEL flywheel that would be quieter than a lightened aluminum one.

Go with a SB stage 2 drag as I am about to pick my car up soon with it I'll do a follow up review on how it compares to the endurance one. I was talking to a SA and said that a b8.5 S5 owner absolutely abuses his stage 2 drag clutch and it put's up with the power daily.

And there is no reason not to upgrade your flywheel. The only downside is it causes slight chatter when the clutch isn't engaged.

[stereojorge]

I had it on my B8 and I absolutely loved it!


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[A.C.]

I'm on the verge of replacement also and would like feedback. I have Unitronic stage 2+ and reviewing the forums for the best kit for daily use.

[AKPS4]

I have south bend stage 2 endurance clutch and flywheel kit. I had it slip on me during WOT in 6th gear between 4-5k Rpm twice shortly after a 1000 mile break in. I was extremely disappointed and upset about it but has not happened since. Other than that it's been great but I am afraid to push it too hard because it cost me a fortune to have this installed (had to remove and reinstall twice). 99% due to shop error but couldn't do much about it. Long story and is history now. I cannot afford another clutch replacement and need this to last me 60k+ miles so I won't be beating it. If anyone else has it and decides to launch a few times I'd like to know how it holds up.

[sonic32]

JHM stage 4 clutch paired with ECS lightweight flywheel, couldn't be happier. Broke it in for 700 miles and it slipped on me during that time so I kept it easy till after 1000 and after that I abused it and not even a hiccup. Flywheel can get noisy but I don't care as long as it gets the job done. P.S. pedal feel is like 10-20% firmer than stock which is awesome in terms of engagement


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[Heed]

jorge, which clutch and flywheel did you have?

[Thurston]

what was the caution regarding the aftermarket flywheels that they wanted you to heed? i've seen users on here w/ southbound

[b8s4me]

I have a Southbend stage 2 drag clutch paired to a Eurocode LW FW. Engagement is like stock, and not too much clutch chatter.

[Mancha]

I'll need to replace soon too. Why does everyone move past OEM when a lot of people seem to have issues with the aftermarket ones?

[Heed]

what was the caution regarding the aftermarket flywheels that they wanted you to heed? i've seen users on here w/ southbound

Both shops said they have had customers with bad aftermarket flywheel experiences. They say that aftermarket tolerances aren't as strict as OEM.

Personally, I'd love to install one, I'm just worried I'll have problems with it. I think I would be fine APR stage 2 if I went with stock and never launched it. But if APR ever puts out their ultracharger, I'll wish I'd gotten a more sturdy clutch.

[xpoweruk]

[Thurston]

Both shops said they have had customers with bad aftermarket flywheel experiences. They say that aftermarket tolerances aren't as strict as OEM.

Personally, I'd love to install one, I'm just worried I'll have problems with it. I think I would be fine APR stage 2 if I went with stock and never launched it. But if APR ever puts out their ultracharger, I'll wish I'd gotten a more sturdy clutch.

This may show my ignorance but I wish i knew a little bit more about what that means, this is the first time i've heard of lwfw issues beyond chatter if i recall correctly.

[xpoweruk]

I had issues with the EC clutch kit (failed before break in was finished)
In the above vid the friction material has fused to the LWFW
Another chap in the UK had a JHM kit Fuse to the LWFW

[Heed]

xpoweruk, was your issue with an ecs flywheel or a Eurocode?
Also, what did you replace your failed flywheel and clutch after they failed?
Thanks

[Thurston]

I had issues with the EC clutch kit (failed before break in was finished)
In the above vid the friction material has fused to the LWFW
Another chap in the UK had a JHM kit Fuse to the LWFW

any idea as to what probably caused those infusions? think a lwfw vs o e m would have made any iota of difference?

[xpoweruk]

xpoweruk, was your issue with an ecs flywheel or a Eurocode?
Also, what did you replace your failed flywheel and clutch after they failed?
Thanks

It was eurocode
I'm back on OE as I needed the car back on the road.

[Heed]

It was eurocode
I'm back on OE as I needed the car back on the road.

stock clutch with the OEM flywheel?

[xpoweruk]

stock clutch with the OEM flywheel?

Yup.

[EHesh14]

any idea as to what probably caused those infusions? think a lwfw vs o e m would have made any iota of difference?

Driving error hopefully

[Symko]

Still wondering if the Sachs clutch is worth going with if you are Stage II or beyond. I think it is supposed to hold 15-20% more TQ but the price is almost identical to OEM.

[Heed]

Yup.

Does it handle your Revo tune well? I suspect mine slips because the original owner probably launched it a few times.

- - - Updated - - -

Still wondering if the Sachs clutch is worth going with if you are Stage II or beyond. I think it is supposed to hold 15-20% more TQ but the price is almost identical to OEM.

got a link to the Sachs clutch?

[xpoweruk]

I can't do hard launches so it screw my 1/4 mile times (12.2 over the 1/4 is my best )
Other that that it is fine

[Symko]

Does it handle your Revo tune well? I suspect mine slips because the original owner probably launched it a few times.

- - - Updated - - -



got a link to the Sachs clutch?

Sachsperformance.com

Go under B8 A4 and scroll to the bottom. S4 is located there. It is a German site. There are other companies selling the clutch but not much additional info.