FI M3's, what clutch/FW/pressure plate are you running?

[6ick6ix6peed]

First off, I am AA gen IV Stage 1... 450+hp and 350+tq. I would possibly like to go stage 2 in the future so keeping that in mind.

My current OEM clutch has 70,000 miles on it (1,000 of those on 7.5 lbs of boost). It's slipping pretty bad now. I am moslty DD/hard street driving/ auto x once a month religiously/ drag and drift once in awhile... I want a clutch with alot of holding power and good abrupt bite (like a 6 puck) but one that is also capable of handling a good deal of stop and go without glazing and "too much" shuddering. I dont mind gear lash( flywheel chatter) actually i kind of like it:)

Well, So far I like the UUC M5 conv clutch + fw package... 8.5 lb Aluminum flywheel + ceramatallic clutch w HD pressure plate. $1445 for the ceramatallic and $1395 for the 6 puck kevlar( more aggressive???) Can anyone with boost comment on this setup and how they like it?

I've also been thinking of HPF stage 2 clutch kit, but I want to change the flywheel too while I have the trans off. and they recommend sticking with the factory flywheel?

My third choice, I see a JB racing clutch + flywheel package on Turners website. They say its good for 350 ftlbs. Thats not within my comfort zone. I don't want too much clutch, but I really really dont want not enough clutch.

lastly, I was looking at the AA clutch and flywheel package, but 3grand seems a bit steep.


Any suggestions. AA, VF, ESS guys, What's up? what are your setups?:hi:

[Active Autowerke II]

PM sent :)

[6ick6ix6peed]

Thanks so much David! PM sent back.


Too everyone else, any experience with install/operation of other brands like UUC, ACT, Clutch masters, etc...

Thanks in advance... so far either AA's or UUC's kit seems like it will fit my needs. great torque holding with lots of durability.:woot:

[MSpired]

I had the UUC M5 clutch and LWFW, it held up decently but got glazed and fisheyes after hitting the drags strip (with about 530rwhp). I since then have switched to the HPF clutch and OEM flywheel. I haven't abused the HPF setup yet, but I can tell that it is alrady much more grabby and is probably going to withstand the power easily, after all, they have put over 650rwhp through them already....

The only issue with the HPF clutch is a slight shutter when engaging off the lien in 1st gear, to me it's not that bad and worth it.

[6ick6ix6peed]

^ Thanks. Did You notice any greater rev matching or acceleration with the LTW FW over stock? I am looking at HPF stage 2 , but I really want a nice ltw fw while im neck deep inside the trans.

I am afraid of going with the M5 conv cause Im already and definitly going to be well past M5 power levels for the time to come. You definitely helped assure me to rethink UUC.:thumbup:

So far, after some more research, I'm really liking:

AA's organic clutch and flyW good for 500+hp
HPF's stage 2, good for 600+ hp but factory fw:(
is there something I'm missing...?

[yellowssm]

Thanks so much David! PM sent back.


Too everyone else, any experience with install/operation of other brands like UUC, ACT, Clutch masters, etc...

Thanks in advance... so far either AA's or UUC's kit seems like it will fit my needs. great torque holding with lots of durability.:woot:

I had a clutchmasters in my 2005 audi S4 and it lasted all of 2 weeks, not to mention their customer service sucked.

i too have the HPF clutch with the OEM flywheel and its perfect except for the very slight chatter from first gear, but what do you expect from a clutch that can hold 700+hp. I would say it drives 90-95% like a stock clutch would feel just without the slip.
Lastly, I would just go with HPF since its been proven in so many high hp cars so you dont end up spending money on parts and labor twice

[6ick6ix6peed]

^ thanks yellowssm. Do you have HPF stage 1, 2, or 3 clutch. I've seen hpf stage 1's last less than a year so I need at least stage 2 to feel comfortable. the factory flywheel pisses me off. I find myself waiting for the rpms to drop to slam the next gear. It needs to go. Light weight flywheels are hard to come by or at least hard to mate to other clutches Im guessing?

[yellowssm]

^ thanks yellowssm. Do you have HPF stage 1, 2, or 3 clutch. I've seen hpf stage 1's last less than a year so I need at least stage 2 to feel comfortable. the factory flywheel pisses me off. I find myself waiting for the rpms to drop to slam the next gear. It needs to go. Light weight flywheels are hard to come by or at least hard to mate to other clutches Im guessing?

I have a stage 1 clutch

[6ick6ix6peed]

OK, Thats what I assumed. I saw the vid where Tanks old car is slipping with the stage one hpf clutch. Im sure its more than enough for a blown M but the lack of flywheel options is leading me to a dead end.

either hpf clutch(lots of potential but factory flywheel) or aa clutch and flywheel.

I hate having to choose:banghead: and I miss putting the power down:(

[MSpired]

I did enjoy the lightweight flywheel, the RPM's did fall and climb a lil bit faster, but seriously, not worth the feeling of knowing the clutch can't handle lots of abuse.

I've heard good things about the AA setup on their cars, but they are asking way too much for their kits.

You really should go HPF, it's simply the best solution.

[6ick6ix6peed]

You really should go HPF, it's simply the best solution.

That's what I'm beginning to believe, Thanks Sir. I do have a good deal direct from AA for the whole package though cause I'm a returning customer(not sure if they want me to share the price with everyone).

Damn it, I definitly need to sleep on it to make a decision between these to good options.:hmm:

[6ick6ix6peed]

I went with the AA clutch+flywheel( the beefy 600 hp one... same one they're using in the One Lap of America car) Got a GREAT deal from David and friendly service once again. Thanks everyone for your input and It should be on this weekend.:woot:

[Sevan@ZSHIFTINC.COM]

I have HPF S2 clutch + AASCO LW flywheel ;)

[MachRc]

I have an AA clutch flywheel package and compared to my old UUC kevlar setup, its quite nice..it must be different material..but i have no clue what type since its not listed on their site..with the sports button, and dsc off, wheel spin is inevitable and pretty easy to chirp into 3rd banging off the clutch.


http://www.activeautowerke.com/images/products/640/product38.jpg



CLUTCH DISC
Unlike the solid factory clutch disc, our performance version uses a series of springs to effectively dampen gearbox chatter. An organic composite lining delivers baby-smooth engagement and transition of power, and is easy on the flywheel face.

PRESSURE PLATE
Our pressure plate has true racing heritage. Pedal effort is a tad strong (most noticeable on 6 speed versions) but is probably unmatched in its exertion of clamping force. A sturdy strap design and precision engagement clearance and balance characteristics round out the design profile. This high-performance component is fully compliant with factory specs, and can be used without changing out the stock steel flywheel, if desired.

ALUMINUM FLYWHEEL??
The physics are beyond question: reduce flywheel weight and you noticeably increase acceleration. So when we tell you our 6061 T6 tempered alloy unit tips the scales at just 12 lbs vs the 42 lb stock flywheel, you can imagine what performance gains are in store.
Yet, weight alone is just part of the equation. Durability is also key. Our patent-pending retaining pin design totally eliminates the common problem of pin disengagement in aluminum flywheels - a failure that can cause major damage to your transmission bell housing. Ideal for both street and mild race use, the quicker throttle response and perfect balance of an installed Active Autowerke flywheel is easily felt in the drive. Machined to precise tolerances, the unit comes with a thick replaceable friction plate and correctly-configured ring gear for smooth starter gear engagement. It will accept either the factory stock clutch kit or an Active Autowerke performance clutch utilizing a sprung disc arrangement.

Key Features
CNC machined aluminum flywheel; 12 lbs and vibration-free
Correct teeth on ring gear ensure correct starter gear engagement
Smart-design pressure plate pins emgineered to never dislodge and damage transmission bell housing
Replaceable flywheel friction face
Applicable for SMG and 6-speed manual gearbox cars
Tested and proven to handle over 600 HP

[Active Autowerke II]

I went with the AA clutch+flywheel( the beefy 600 hp one... same one they're using in the One Lap of America car) Got a GREAT deal from David and friendly service once again. Thanks everyone for your input and It should be on this weekend.:woot:
Glad I could help :hi:

Mach, our clutch discs are of an organic compound :thumbup:

[AMG ETR]

I have HPF stage 1 and its ok... It holds the power great, the pedal effort is about as close to stock as your going to get, BUT it does chatter pretty bad letting off in first and mine SQUEEKS like crazy letting off in first. It continues to get louder and louder by the day and has gotten very annoying... Not sure what I will replace it with yet, but I will cross that bridge when I get there..
Evan

[MachRc]

I have HPF stage 1 and its ok... It holds the power great, the pedal effort is about as close to stock as your going to get, BUT it does chatter pretty bad letting off in first and mine SQUEEKS like crazy letting off in first. It continues to get louder and louder by the day and has gotten very annoying... Not sure what I will replace it with yet, but I will cross that bridge when I get there..
Evan

the gear rattle chatter, is about the same on my car as Ive had in any other non-extemely lightened above 10 pounds flywheel.

going from stock w/ dual mass to dual mass with organic, then to segmented kevlar with steel flywheel then now AA's kit. It feels alot like the performance organic I had with slight gear rattle.

does the hpf clutch kit also include a flywheel? did you get a new flywheel with the clutch?

the only time I had engagement problems and noise is when I reused my flywheel on a new organic uuc clutch..it took about 500-600 miles of engaging and dis-engaging to smoothen out.. the first day was terrible..

i did get slight noises with the kevlar blend but the whirrling noise was prob due to the kevlar material and only present once in great while letting off in first...

[yellowssm]

I have HPF stage 1 and its ok... It holds the power great, the pedal effort is about as close to stock as your going to get, BUT it does chatter pretty bad letting off in first and mine SQUEEKS like crazy letting off in first. It continues to get louder and louder by the day and has gotten very annoying... Not sure what I will replace it with yet, but I will cross that bridge when I get there..
Evan

thats weird, mine does squeek or make noises at all. One thing i did mess around with was the sport button and i have found out that it is easier (for me anyways) getting in and out of 1st gear smoother and with either no chatter or very very little chatter at all. Try it and tell me what you think.

[Matt Q]

HPF Stg 1... works fine with my gen 3 stage 2 AA kit.. no hassles besides the afore mentioned 1st gear judder which you can modulate with practise... I only notice it now pulling up steep driveways

[6ick6ix6peed]

Thanks guys, Im waiting on my AA clutch/flywheel and I'll report back. Installing it myself so wish me luck(I dont have a lift or trans jack). Then, I just have to get through the slow, boring breakin procedure:banghead:

[///M3-QTR]

I had HPF stg 1 clutch , in for a review on AA setup :)

[yxyxxx]

I recently bought a 2003 M3 with the S3 from Dinan already installed. Shifts graet and no gear rattles or noise. I was surpised that off the line I'm not smoking tires, still seems fast, until I rode in a M6 V10... wow.

Are cooking tires, with your setup?

[6ick6ix6peed]

^I can still spin tires with the stock clutch if I drop it from high enough revs, but it takes a while to grab. Its definitely cooked. an extra 125 hp will do that I guess LOL :bawling:

I got the clutch/pressureplate/flywheel and everything looks quality. Me and my buddy Shawn at 1552 are using his lift Tues to get it on. Hopefully, I'll get some pics during the install and report back during the breakin. Then we'll get her on the dyno:woot:

[///M3-QTR]

^ great ! have fun ! :D

[6ick6ix6peed]

IN! 1552 in Sarasota and AA both get a huge thumbs up on this one. The clutch pedal felt like I was kicking a 10 ton brick for the first 20 miles, but after 50miles it's smooth and just a nice amount stiffer than stock. Revs up and down a tad quicker and holds power ALOT better than the factory pressure plate/flywheel too. Torque is back again even in the low rpms( I havnt gone past 5k yet:shhh:)

Install was a bit of a hassle. Crap OEM hardware and zero room to work were the headaches of this round, Thanks BMW. I'm the only one that bled though... as always. A Huge Thank You to Shawn and 1552 in Sarasota. I could not have done it without him/them. The lift, the knowledge, and the friendship all made it a great experience. I'm the only one who has ever touched/worked on my car until now and Shawn is the only person I will ever trust besides me.

Anyone from Tampa to Sebring to Ft Myers... This is the place to take your euro for service/custom work.

Some pics courtesy of Shawn at 1552v2...
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/a4ringedone8t/1552/DSC08996R.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/a4ringedone8t/1552/DSC08993R.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/a4ringedone8t/1552/DSC08990R.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/a4ringedone8t/1552/DSC08984R.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b156/a4ringedone8t/1552/DSC08985R.jpg

[///M3-QTR]

Is there a chatter / hesitation when releasing the clutch off the line ?

[6ick6ix6peed]

There is a slight chatter in nuetral when the car is first started... but goes away after it warms up. No hestation or shuddering off the line at all. However, the pedal itself is firmer than OEM. Needs about twice as much effort to push it to the floor, but it's getting easier with time. The actual clutch grabbing is still just as smooth as stock. :)

[///M3-QTR]

^ good to know ! i do lots of city driving and the one thing I hate about my HPF clutch is the hesitation off the line which comes and goes .

Now the question is ..can it handle +600rwhp / +450rwtq ?

[6ick6ix6peed]

AA's sight rates it at 600 plus hp, but its all about torque. It sure feels like it can hold a hell of alot of torque. Ask someone at Active and see what they say. From what I feel, the clamping force is amazing, but 450wheeltq(whats that like 500crank) that might be maxing out the pressure plate.

[deltasleep]

I have the HPF clutch in mine...amazing, no slip at all and drives stock!!