Buying new clutch! Help me!

[R9IceMan]

Ok, before I even start to tell you guys what I'm looking for, I've been searching for this stuff for a few months. So please don't just say..."Do your research!"

I've got a 98 TSi AWD (7 BOLT) which is basically bone stock with 64k miles. I just did all new belts (including timing), and now my clutch is slipping pretty bad. My goals are at least 300-350hp at the crank, and I will be modding my way there.

I've been to several respectable DSM shops around my area, and I've heard many, many, many different stories and opinions of what kind of clutch is best for my car... but I can't decide. I wan't this thing to be decently reliable on the street, so I want to go with the FULL DISC, NO PUCKS. I'm unsure really of what BRAND, and PRESSURE PLATE rating I should go with.


From my research:

--It seems like ACT has its horror stories, and some say its like gold. Some say the 2600 on a 7 bolt will crankwalk, others have no problem. Some have trouble with a slipping 2100, and others have gone deep into the 12s with them like DSMJim.

--I've been told Exedy is good, but the pressure plate is only 1940lbs. w/ the full disc, and all the others have the 3 puck race disc.

--I've been told ClutchMasters was good, and have also heard that they are more of an outdated design.

--I've seen the SlowBoy 3500 clutch, it seems nice, but there isn't that much to be heard about it because it is so new.


Again, I'm looking to make at least 300-350hp at the crank so I need something that'll hold up. Also, It's a daily driver, so a full disc is a MUST! The car will see the track on occasion, but not that much.

So please try and help me out here. All input, good or bad is greatly appreciated.

Thanx,
-Rick

 

[DSMunknown]

i dont know about anyone else, and i have just started begining to do my searching around cuz my clutch is begining to slip too so i have already made my decision. im gonna go with a clutchmasters fx200 with their lightened flywheel.

the horror stories i have heard regarding ACT has made me distance myself far away from them. some say that the bad stories is because the morons dont break their clutch in for the first 500 miles, like they're supposed to. but, im not gonna take any chances, that's why im choosing CM

on a side note, is the mandatory break-in period 500miles? cuz i want to be safe, not sorry, so im just wondering if i should wait until 700-750 to start to push it...

 

[R9IceMan]

Thanx for the quick response. I've heard different stories from different guys. I'm gonna do at least a 500 mile break in period. If you wait till 700-750 you should be just fine. Good luck, and let me know how it works out for ya.

 

[RoasT BeeF]

I will be one to tell you to stay away from ACT at all costs. I went through 3 of their street discs in about 15k. Yes they were all broke in and yes the flywheel was stepped properly etc.

I run the exedy 3 puck with 2160 pressure plate now and I absolutely love it. I know you said you do not want a puck disc but just hear me out. It is not as bad as people make it out to be. My car is daily driven and it is not bad at all. Yes it bites hard and yes it does take some getting used to but its not as impossible as people make it sound and it can be done!

Other than that I have heard that Spec clutches are very good although I do not have any personal experience with any of their setups. It seems as though I am sold on Exedy and will probably stick with them for the rest of my DSM days.

 

[R9IceMan]

Has anyone had the SBR 3500? If so how is it? Is it worth buying?

 

[drivemusicnow]

I'm personally buying a Spec clutch pretty soon, i'm getting the 6 puck, however they make a "stage 1" and "stage 2" kit go to www.thespeedfactor.com and check them out. good price, and they have a good name in other car communities.

 

[gurrmanator]

Ok, before I even start to tell you guys what I'm looking for, I've been searching for this stuff for a few months. So please don't just say..."Do your research!"

I've got a 98 TSi AWD (7 BOLT) which is basically bone stock with 64k miles. I just did all new belts (including timing), and now my clutch is slipping pretty bad. My goals are at least 300-350hp at the crank, and I will be modding my way there.

I've been to several respectable DSM shops around my area, and I've heard many, many, many different stories and opinions of what kind of clutch is best for my car... but I can't decide. I wan't this thing to be decently reliable on the street, so I want to go with the FULL DISC, NO PUCKS. I'm unsure really of what BRAND, and PRESSURE PLATE rating I should go with.


From my research:

--It seems like ACT has its horror stories, and some say its like gold. Some say the 2600 on a 7 bolt will crankwalk, others have no problem. Some have trouble with a slipping 2100, and others have gone deep into the 12s with them like DSMJim.

--I've been told Exedy is good, but the pressure plate is only 1940lbs. w/ the full disc, and all the others have the 3 puck race disc.

--I've been told ClutchMasters was good, and have also heard that they are more of an outdated design.

--I've seen the SlowBoy 3500 clutch, it seems nice, but there isn't that much to be heard about it because it is so new.


Again, I'm looking to make at least 300-350hp at the crank so I need something that'll hold up. Also, It's a daily driver, so a full disc is a MUST! The car will see the track on occasion, but not that much.

So please try and help me out here. All input, good or bad is greatly appreciated.

Thanx,
-Rick

im using the centerforce dual friction clutch and have not had a problem,im in your HP range.the clutch has pucks on flywheel side and disk on pressure plate side,a good street/strip clutch

 

[Boiler2]

I been using the ACT 2100 for 2 years now without any issues. This is on my awd daily driver with a number of mods, 13,000 miles a year, and has seen the track about 8 different nights.

Still going strong!