Clutch options for cupra tdi

[Stu-]

Was out for a drive last night, while going up slight hill I noticed that my clutch was starting to slip when the boost was kicking in, then seems to catch it self and bite. So not fully gone, but I don't think it will last much longer.

Other than a standard clutch and dmf. What other options are there, pros and cons?

I plan to remap the car fairly soon, so I want an uprated clutch to handle the power. I won't be tuning the car to levels where a paddle clutch will be needed, so I was thinking a Sachs organic clutch, this seems to be quite popular, where is the cheapest place to buy this?

But while I'm there. Is it worth converting to an smf? I've read conflicting opinions, some complain about noise increases and makes the clutch feel more harsh while adding extra strain to other major components, while others say the opposite.

What smf options are there and where can these be bought?

Will the dmf definitely need changing or is it a case of taking it apart to see?

Cheers
Stu


Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2

 

[Badger]

I currently have a similar problem, although mines been slipping for about 3 months and its been fine on the remap.

I've got it booked in for a Valeo SMF and clutch change tomorrow. I too was having doubts about a SMF but after actually not finding anyone who has had a gearbox blowup and engine mounts rip out, I thought I would do it.

The Valeo kit isn't uprated and can handle roughly 280-290lbft torque which should be ok on my remap. The clutch springs are beefier and the SMF weighs the same as the DMF so harmonic vibration should be reduced.

I'll report on Thurs on my initial findings!

In regards to your flywheel, it's best practice to get it replaced at the same time. If you're planning for a remap and more power, I would definitely get it done because when it goes it will take your clutch out with it.

 

[Stu-]

Brialliant cheers. Let me know how you get on.

How much are you paying for the Valeo smf if you dont mind me asking?

Are you going for a standard clutch plate?

The noise (and possible damage) are the things that has put me off the smf. Im quite liking having a quiet (diesel quiet) car, as until now, ive had the opposite in the form of petrol turbos, jap v6's, mr2's etc lol

 

[Badger]

I'm going for the standard plate supplied with the Valeo kit. I'm not going for power or major torque increases, so the plate will be fine for my needs.

I'm sure the kit is around 350-400 for Clutch and SMF and then fitting is 250 at my local Indy. The only drama is if the clutch needs doing in the future I can only get another Valeo kit unless I change back to DMF. Pros, no need for another expensive DMF just cheaper Clutch.

If you're serious about going for a mad increase in power, look at Darkside Developments kits. The DMF 'should' be fine for anything upto 350lb/ft unless you're planning full throttle, barryboys KFC launches.

Regards to quiet Diesel. All PD TDI engines are loud and clattery anyway

 

[Badger]

Thought I would update the progress of my clutch change. The Valeo Kit was fitted and was deemed way too noisey. It rattled like a crackheads brain so I've decided to go back to DMF and Sachs Clutch kit.

 

[mgrays]

. I too was having doubts about a SMF .

.. The clutch springs are beefier and the SMF weighs the same as the DMF so harmonic vibration should be reduced.

I did read that and thought.. humm he will be back to DMF .. but you seem to have read up on it so let it go. DMF reduces the noise by being 2 flywheels connected by rubber.. the "loose" one is tuned to reduce noise by reducing harmonic vibration. A single flywheel of the same weight will never beat the tuned DMF for noise.. off course the rubber ages so DMF has a finite live. I presume you realise the springs are irrelevant except for slipping.

I fitted the £600 Sach sports clutch which has held 320 ftlbs for 80k miles since 2006... silly price for what I suspect is a few strong springs and a different friction material.

 

[Badger]

I see!

Fair enough, as you see from my last post it wasn't for me so I've gone back to DMF and Sachs Clutch.

Looks like I was miss informed about the kit, my bad