So i just replaced my engine in my 2000 audi a4 2.8 and told shop to put new OEM clutch kit in as well. i got the car back yesterday and drove it around awhile and engine sounds awesome and have more power with new plugs/wires.

only issue is the new clutch...the mechanic i have known for awhile and i trust but the pedal/shifter feels EXACTLY the same as before. My brother was warning me that the new clutch would be stiffer and feel way different...i have noticed the shifting is exactly the same and the pedal engages exactly the same. Should the clutch be stiffer and engaging quicker with new OEM kit or are all clutch kits this easy going and soft?..


sorry for long read but any advice would be helpful...

 

your brother is incorrect. hell, if the pedal felt different, i would be concerned. not all kits are going to be soft, but all oem units will have the same feel. i run an s4 clutch with a lightweight flywheel. i killed it the first drive, but overall it didnt feel much different. you are definately good to go. if you clutch was shot and the new clutch feels the same, i might be concerned, but if you just swapped out disks and pressure plates, id hope it feels the same

 

Unless going from stock to a stage 2-3-4 clutch you're not going to feel a difference.

 

I'm not sure why it would feel any different. If anything the engagement points might be slightly different depending on how worn out the old clutch was.

OEM clutches are self adjusting so as they wear they adjust so the engagement stays the same.

Jason

 

My engaging point was noticeable different after RA4 kit compared to my worn out OEM clutch. Like you have have to be an idiot not to realize the engagement point has changed.

 

hmm if you read i was going from OEM clutch kit to another OEM kit..therefore they should feel the same according to popular opinion. "like you have to be an idiot not to realize" what we were talking about considering its right there in the thread..

 

thanks for the information. I suppose my old clutch must not have been all to worn out than since it feels almost the same but oh well either way new engine/clutch kit is a win

 

My mistake sorry, I was referring to my car, I meant that if you drove my car before and after the new clutch and didn't feel the difference.

I have gone from worn oem to stage 1 s4 kit, clutch pedal to me honestly feels softer and yes the engagement point is almost immediate after letting go of the clutch. We'll this is how my car is responding after the install. Yes as you say oem to oem, the feel should stay the same as mentioned above

 

yeah i guess it should feel same. Now my only worry is from what i can tell a leaky valve cover gasket. There is a white funnel of thin smoke right below my intake and towards back of engine bay on passenger side. When i idle or stop at a redlight for more than 30 seconds cabin feels with burnt rubber/oil smell...i was going to switch out gaskets but i would lose warranty on engine. But yeah does that sound like a leaky valve cover gasket anyone??

 

not necessarily. a common culprit is the pcv system