Clutch question

[DDualan]

so i purchased a 1996 TSi FWD a few days back
going tomorrow to pick up my engine

the kid i bough my car from said that it is going to need a new clutch that 5th gear grinds a bit

i am not a mechanic by any means i have very limited experience with auto mechanics, im in the culinary field so probably the farthest you can get from being a mechanic.

while my mechanic is replacing my engine i figured i'd have him put the clutch in also, any recommendations on what material would be best for me? the car will be my daily driver but i would also like to take it to the track now and then and have some fun with it. a friend has a TSi awd and says he burnt through organic plates pretty quick and he runs Kevlar, from what i have read about Kevlar they are unforgiving to higher temps. i have driven a 5 speed like 12 times total in my life but ive always wanted this car and i couldn't bring myself to buy it as an auto

any input will be considered and researched thank you for your help!!

 

[rebuild4g63]

I would put a stage 2 clutch. I put an oem clutch in mine a few months ago and blahh. To soft! Also get your master clutch cylinder, and clutch slave cylinder replaced. Clutch anywhere from $135 and up, master clutch cylinder $25 and up, and slave $20. hope this helps

 

[DDualan]

The imput about the master and slave cylinders is helpful i appreciate it, but i still have no idea what material to use.

organic
Kevlar
ceramic
so on and so forth

 

[jimbob_843]

I think the strength of the clutch is gonna factor more than material for you. Just get a decent pressure plate (2100-2600) with a sprung disk for daily driving. Any quality brand should do you just fine. Search on here for good setups.

 

[jimbob_843]

I think the strength of the clutch is gonna factor more than material for you. Just get a decent pressure plate (2100-2600) with a sprung disk for daily driving. Any quality brand should do you just fine. Search on here for good setups.



Oh and ALWAYS use an OEM T.O.B throw out bearing

 

[ghoti]

Agree, if you get the right pressure plate force for how much power you plan to make the material of the disk should not be an issue. You shouldn't need to worry about exotic clutch disks until you make much more power. Also having a front wheel drive will be easier on the clutch than an AWD.

 

[Takophiliac]

There has been some data to suggest that a heavier clutch plate may cause wear on the crankshaft thrust bearing.

Having said that, a kevlar disk with a stock pressure plate might be for you. They take some abuse, function well at higher temperatures, and are supposed to be very streetable.

As others have said, the stock throw out bearing (TOB) is a must.

I'd also second replacing the master and slave cylinder. Make sure you get the right slave as the turbo and non-turbo are not identical (due to reverse direction mounting and the bleed valve). When your master cylinder is replaced, make sure to set your clutch free-play appropriately. It is possible to over throw-out the pressure plate. This will cause some grinding noise.

Lastly, none of this has much to do with noise shifting into one specific gear. I'd check your synchro for 5/reverse in the transmission. Luckily, this can be checked without removing the transmission, it's just not especially easy. You can try to get a visual on the dog gears (where the synchro engages) by removing the 5/reverse cap (very end of the transmission) on the tranny. If it's grinding going into 5th, i'd bet either the slider, the dog gears on the gear, or both are worn fairly significantly. Also possible that instead, the fork is worn down due to using the shifter as a hand-rest while cruising.

 

[DDualan]

thank you for all the input i appreciate the help!