Hey,

I have a 2003 A4 1.8T, 5 speed manual with Quattro. I'm planning on replacing the clutch, because the current one is on its way out. Two questions: should I replace it with a stock clutch (OEM) or would an aftermarket clutch be a better option? and are there any good techs/shops around the northern jersey area that are capable of this work? The car by the way is stock, at least for now.

Thanks.

 

Aftermarket clutch will lost longer, especially if you are stock.

 

South bend seems like the best option, but still would need to find a good shop to get the work done.

 

Yeah, and my recommendation... Callaround and find out the best price... Cause it migth save you up to $200.

 

i have southbend stage 5 ( FE clutch disc, SS pressure plate) my advice is to first consider your long term goals, if you plan on going BT or adding more power later, at least OFE SS or FE SS ($500-600) if you are going to stay stock OFE disc with HD pressure plate will suffice. ALso southbend will resurface your current flywheel but keep in mind it will be about 1.5 weeks till its shipped back to you.

email nick@autobahnexotics.com

 

I offer the South Bend clutch kits at a discount and include free shipping in the 48 states, discounted shipping for anyone outside of the 48 states and we do ship over seas. The clutch kits can also be ordered alone or with one of 3 different flywheels.

South Bend clutch package

 

Id go with an aftermarketclutch becasuelike said before itll last longer than a new oem one.I have the southbend stg 2 clutch and jsut got a new oe flywheel and it has almost exactly the same driveablity as the stock setup. Great for the stock power but itll leave you some room if you want to upgrade.

 

If i may ask i have the same car. What kind of mileage are you at that your clutch is going ?

 

^^^ My went out at 73k when i bought the car, i was learning how to drive stick shift, and after a week it started to slip.

 

Last few questions, I'm pretty set on the OFE South Bend Kit, but is the flywheel a must replacement? I talked to KMD tuning in New Jersey (authorized dealers for south bend) and they apparently don't resurface double mass flywheels, and the OF Flywheel is $700+. As for the other questions I’m currently at 70k+ however this was also my first car that I learned and I taught one of my friends to drive stick, which in retrospect wasn't the best of ideas.

Also, I got a quote of $1800~ for KMD Tuning: (OFE South Bend Clutch Kit + new OF Flywheel + labor) thoughts?
The parts alone cost $1100+.

Also, I was on ECS Tuning, and they have clutch kits as well priced in the same ranges, OE rs4 with an aluminum flywheel? Thoughts as well? http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/edpd/...ategory=Clutch