adammorley

Hi,

I recently bought (and had installed by the local audi shop, who is bosch certified) an AWE stage 1 kit, w/flywheel. I have a chipped A4 (APR). The clutch install went fine, minus the bolts AWE forgot to include (they shipped them overnight, but the mechanic was able to source the exact same bolt locally).

The clutch feel is great. BUT: on full throttle, from 3000-5000 rpm, the clutch SLIPS big time. It makes the car feel like an automatic almost! This is not any "dumping the clutch." I get the car into gear, drive for a bit, and then gradually floor it. Even with a gradual throttle application, it seems to slip. Or something that I would call "slipping."

On half throttle, the clutch holds. Even 3/4 will get a slip most of the time. This seems really odd to me, given that the clutch is rated at 300hp/300lbft, and this car only has ~200hp/245lbft according to APR's website.

I'm pretty sure this is a very bad thing. Has anyone been down this road? What ended up happening? What kind of things should I look at? I'm taking it back to the shop on Monday, and definately calling AWE. . .

thanks!
adam

bhvrdr

Call AWE and find out what the break in period is. Normally the Kevlar/Ceramic clutches need a good break in but maybe it is the case for you also? cheers! Mike

bhvrdr

different from the step height on the OEM flywheel yet they both use an OEM disc size so this may be a problem. cheers! Mike

adammorley

I have no idea what a "step height" is. I do know we needed special sized bolts for the flywheel bolts b/c OE bolts were too long. Is this what you're talking about, or is it something else?

It was a whole stage 1 kit, so new flywheel, pressure plate and clutch disc (+throwout bearing) from AWE.

Thanks for the reply!

bhvrdr

sits in. Baically the LWFW has a taller step height and no one can explain why. FWIW, I am now spending money to remove my LWFW and put back in the stock one. cheers! Mike

adammorley

Hi Mike,

That doesn't sound good. Do you think what I'm seeing is a result of the thing you've noticed? Should I just cut to the chase and put back in an OE flywheel?

Have you looked at ECS tuning's flywheel?

Thanks,
Adam

bhvrdr

and see if it breaks in nice and good. After the 200-500 mile break in, if you have problems such as slipping, a sqealing noise starting off in 1st (usually takes a couple hundred miles for this to start), and vibration when the car is below 2800rpm, then I would take out the LWFW, and put back in the stock DM flywheel. The problems will then go away. This problem may occur with any LWFW that is not damped like the OEM one, but only you can decide if you like or dont like the characteristics of the LW one. Please post you impressions after 500miles for us good or bad. I'm trying to get companies to be aware of these problems. cheers! Mike

adammorley

I talked to AWE today, and they confirmed that everything is ok, and I'm just paranoid. For some reason, I had forgotten clutches have a break in period. Glad I was only on boost once! And that I am usually such a sedate driver.

I just remember having new brakes installed and being told to "heavily romp on them," (to set the pads) and I spaced that this is a clutch not brakes.

I'll update after ~500 miles. I have noticed a little noise at idle and a teenie bit around 2800-3100. We'll see how it changes as the thing becomes one with itself. Or something.

Thanks!