Recommendations on clutch?

[Zeppelin]

Hey guys,

Looks like I'm finally making too much HP for the stock clutch.. I'm looking for some suggestions for my '97 TSi AWD with a 14b running 16PSI and a 3" O2 back exhaust.

Do you also suggest I upgrade my flywheel, or would just getting the stocker resurfaced be good for this amount of HP?

Thanks!
-Mark

[BlueVelocity]

I've always had wonderful results with the ACT stuff. I currently run the 2600 with the organic street disc. It launches great, holds nice, and slips like a champ when I need it to. Plus at $125 for a replacement disc, it's tough to beat. Good stuff....


Erron S.

[TerryLiv]

Unless you have lots of money the resurfaced stock flywheel should be fine.

[Jeremy]

I'm making about 330 lbs. of torque. As such, I ate my Centerforce after about a year and a half. Last autumn, I bought an X-Clutch from RRE. It's a no-name clutch that they designed for a factory replacement in cars still under warranty, it is, however, still a kick ass clutch. It holds what the 2600 can hold, and requires less pedal pressure.

I love it.

[dsm_gsx97]

Its only $200 for a shipped Fidanza aluminum flywheel these days off of Ebay. As for clutch without hesitation go with a ACT2600. Centerforce clutches seem to go out quick depending on driver. I ran my ACT2600 for 4 seasons through 40K miles. Easily over 30 passes each year with 1.6-1.9 60fts everytime. Just pulled my clutch yesterday, but it wasn't slipping or anything. I just pulled the motor for a rebuild and there were a few heat spots on the pressure plate. The disc is not reusable, but the pressure plate probably could go back on if I wasn't trying to do what I'm trying to do. Now I'm going ACT2900 with a 4puck disk. I put on the 2600 when I got my FP Big28 4 years ago, since then I've had a FP 20G, then a FP Green, now a FP Red. IMO, there is nothing comparable to ACT from what I've seen.

Chris Webb
'97 GSX

[john]

I ran act 2600's in my DSMs - the last car ran 12.1 @ 114, probably making 400 or so HP at the crank. The CFDF also worked very well, and was much more forgiving when the pilot made mistakes. :)

[Shea]

I've run ACTs as well and am quite happy with them. As for the flywheel, it definately changes the way the car operates and if you're happy now I don't see any reason to change it.

IMO,
Shea

[rlarsen]

ACT's have been kind of a quality rollercoaster over the last 5 years or so. I'm not sure where they stand as of now, but it seems like the complaints have dropped off again. I would recommend a 2600 for your power level if you're not planning on heading for the big time soon. There's some nice (high $) options as far as twin discs/etc. when you're really need to put some power to the ground.

It's hard to beat twins for feel, as well, considering the power handling they're capable of.

[g34rh34d]

I've always had wonderful results with the ACT stuff. I currently run the 2600 with the organic street disc. It launches great, holds nice, and slips like a champ when I need it to. Plus at $125 for a replacement disc, it's tough to beat. Good stuff....


Erron S.

I second the ACT 2600 - street disk setup.

I first tried the HD Centerforce DF clutch, and it didn't hold nearly as well as the ACT. I was concerned for the streetability of the ACT compared to the CF but after break in, I didn't notice any drivability issues other than a mildly stiffer peddle feel. But when it comes to holding power, the ACT is hands down the best of the two.


FH

[Van]

I've always liked ACT 2600's. They work very well. Even in the very slow daily snow traffic between Pine and Denver it never gave me any problems.

I've also installed one of the RRE X-clutches on a 2g here and it is living well too.

Depending on what your goals for the car are, I'd recommend a Fidanza flywheel, with an ACT 2600 and also get yourself the Forced Performance aluminum flywheel install kit. The kit contains studs for the pressure plate and longer flywheel bolts to counter the thicker aluminum flywheel to allow better thread grip in the crankshaft. The FP kit also contains a steel flexplate adapter from a DSM auto trans that will help protect your aluminum flywheel surface at the crank from the bolt heads and strengthen that critical joint in the driveline.

[Hydro]

Stay away from the Centerforce clutches if your Drag Racing. I went to the street machine showdown and finished off my centerforce clutch. I new it was getting abused but didn't know how much. I have only about 10 launches on the clutch before it started slipping . I would also rec. the ACT, as the only reason I have been running this centerforce is because the great owner before me thought he was a road racer.


Kenny
9SR