Drivetrain (Cooper S) MINI Cooper S (R53) intakes, exhausts, pulleys, headers, throttle bodies, and any other modifications to the Cooper S drivetrain.

Drivetrain Any opinions on the Single Mass valeo clutch kit?

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Old Jun 9, 2012 | 10:39 AM
  #126  
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Still rocking this kit on with no slip at all. Head, cam, no problem.
 
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Old Jun 13, 2012 | 09:37 PM
  #127  
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I have only seen one person complain about this kit. Everyone seems to be having good luck with them. I have less than 1k miles on mine but so far so good. For the price, it's simply just hard to beat especially its track record of reliability.
 
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Old Jun 28, 2012 | 05:23 PM
  #128  
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Are there dual clutch conversion kits avalialbe for 2010 Copper S, as I'm not seeing anthing from Valeo Exedy for the newer cars?
 
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Old May 31, 2013 | 08:50 AM
  #129  
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Bumping this thread. Anyone looking for a Valeo clutch kit, you can get it for a decent price now.

Stumbled onto this awesome site that saves you from having to google the part numbers, and checking millions of places for the best price. Just ordered my kit from Auto Parts Warehouse for $386 shipped. Once I break it in I'll let you know how it holds up. I drive my cars very hard, so if it doesn't break then its a great sign haha. Valeo has always made great stuff though, so I don't really have any doubts on the quality. Just concerned about holding the power...oh well we shall see.



http://frugalmechanic.com/auto-part/...FcqDQgodnCwAcw

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/se...lmechanic&cj=1
 
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Old Jun 12, 2013 | 05:26 AM
  #130  
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I have this kit, and it's still functioning fine. 15%, I/E. ~35k miles on it.

Oh, and here's the Service Kit part #, for when you need a new friction disc, bearing, and pressure plate. Valeo #52151204
 

Last edited by TheBigChill; Jun 12, 2013 at 06:14 AM.
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Old Jun 26, 2013 | 07:15 PM
  #131  
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Avoid Clutchmasters clutchs

Originally Posted by mininuke
Sorry to hear that. Now I know I should stay away from Spec. Is this epidemic or what?
And Clutchmasters too, got about 8000kms out of Clutchmasters FX300 and lightweight single flywheel before it started slipping, within 5000kms almost undriveable. All running in procedure was followed by the book, plus considering the Mini is driven gently 99% of time and I have a mechanical background, so I know what mechanically sympathetic means, this product is a joke. Absolutely no response from Clutchmasters when I tried to contact them or Eurosport design, the retailer. I ended up getting the clutch fully rebuilt in Australia using ceramic cush button Exedy facings and the result is fantastic. Postive engagement, only slightly heavier clutch (10%), easy to use in city drive and zero idle rattle. I now have a decent drive train finally.
 
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Old Jul 1, 2013 | 09:26 AM
  #132  
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I know the OP was never satisfied, but others have been. Will the Valeo work for a big head motor? I don't mind the light effort (like it actually, if the wife doesn't hate driving my car I get so spend more on it) and don't need it to survive clutch dropping burnouts, but if it slips at all in any form of spirited street driving I'll go beserk.

With the options i'm looking at i'd probably be 230-250 HP at the wheels.
 
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Old Jul 20, 2013 | 11:04 AM
  #133  
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Ordered my Valeo kit from one of the sites listed.Price was really really good, now I just need the odds and ends for the rest of the job. I also need to get the clutch alignment tool, hopefully I can find reference to it in this thread.
 

Last edited by JoeGravelle; Jul 20, 2013 at 11:23 AM.
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Old Jul 21, 2013 | 09:34 AM
  #134  
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Originally Posted by PrplPplEtr
I know the OP was never satisfied, but others have been. Will the Valeo work for a big head motor? I don't mind the light effort (like it actually, if the wife doesn't hate driving my car I get so spend more on it) and don't need it to survive clutch dropping burnouts, but if it slips at all in any form of spirited street driving I'll go beserk.

With the options i'm looking at i'd probably be 230-250 HP at the wheels.
I have the Sprintex SC, Thumper 2 Head, Thumper CAM, and ByteTronik Tune.
I also have the Valeo. I try not to spin out on takeoff, but there have been a couple of times that once I got going I've spun out in 2nd gear. (Yea a full burnout in 2nd gear) I haven't Dyno'd it yet, but I have plenty of power.
I think the Valeo is very good for the price, but if you're looking for something to constantly take a beating I don't know that I would get a Valeo. Look into what the drifters/racers are using or check Clutches from ACT, 1320, Clutch Masters, Exedy, and if you can afford "OS Giken" get it.
 
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Old Oct 17, 2013 | 08:23 PM
  #135  
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So just looking for an update on everyone's clutches. is everyone still liking them ?
 
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Old Oct 17, 2013 | 10:03 PM
  #136  
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Originally Posted by minime331
So just looking for an update on everyone's clutches. is everyone still liking them ?
I have almost 3,000 miles on mine so far. No issues, and my girlfriend has a stock R53 and its unbelievable how much lighter of a pedal the Valeo kit is. Much nicer than stock imo. Couple of launches, substantial back mountain road abuse.

DDM Intake
Stiegemeier ported blower
15% pulley
Alta Catback
 
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Old Oct 18, 2013 | 08:43 PM
  #137  
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Still going strong.
 
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Old Oct 18, 2013 | 10:07 PM
  #138  
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we have had ours in now for about 30k with no issues ever. BIG diff in engagement and rotational mass. MUCHO easier to pull from dead stop and much quicker throttle response. Smoother .
 
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Old Oct 20, 2013 | 10:44 PM
  #139  
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dropping the assy and then splitting allowed me to change pan gasket and o rings on sensors and bla bla, then I steamed the engine assy of before reinstalling it all including the sub frame and steering that had small leaks. You wont' believe all the crap that builds up. Much easier to do new belts, super charger oils swap and pulleys then too!
 
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Old Oct 21, 2013 | 09:02 AM
  #140  
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Originally Posted by animal1
we have had ours in now for about 30k with no issues ever. BIG diff in engagement and rotational mass. MUCHO easier to pull from dead stop and much quicker throttle response. Smoother .

Does the Valeo kit use a lighter flywheel? I think a new clutch is in my future & the Valeo may be the one.
 
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Old Oct 22, 2013 | 05:49 AM
  #141  
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From: Sparks NV
less then a dual mass but not a "lightened" one from performance group.
 
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Old Oct 22, 2013 | 06:13 AM
  #142  
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I think the entire assembly is marginally lighter. ~3lbs, IIRC
 
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Old Oct 22, 2013 | 09:34 AM
  #143  
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My clutch is starting to slip under hard acceleration so I'm going to DIY soon.

I looked at RockAuto and they carry some Valeo stuff but this kit we are talking wasn't there. I search The actual part number and it came up with nothing...until today. Now it's listed under Clutch kits. I've had this happen before with RockAuto. I think they monitor that sort of thing, which is good because its a decent price there at $386.
 
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Old Nov 18, 2013 | 01:05 AM
  #144  
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My clutch is starting to slip, and I was hoping to get some advice. My mods are strictly bolt on: HAI, 15% pulley, 2 ball cat-back, and manifold, and some minor stuff...

First, any updates on how the Valeo clutches are?

Second, I was hoping to get a lighter flywheel. Will the Act FW work with the Valeo clutch?

Lastly, with my somewhat abusive driving, would a ceramic clutch last longer?
 
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Old Nov 18, 2013 | 11:20 AM
  #145  
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Originally Posted by arth4
My clutch is starting to slip, and I was hoping to get some advice. My mods are strictly bolt on: HAI, 15% pulley, 2 ball cat-back, and manifold, and some minor stuff...

First, any updates on how the Valeo clutches are?

Second, I was hoping to get a lighter flywheel. Will the Act FW work with the Valeo clutch?

Lastly, with my somewhat abusive driving, would a ceramic clutch last longer?
5k no problems. I think I've heard of maybe 2 problems with these ever, and I have suspicion it was user error.

No idea. Wish I thought of this when I did mine.

Lastly, just get the Valeo. Unless you dump the clutch at every light you won't need a ceramic clutch over organic.
 
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Old Nov 18, 2013 | 09:05 PM
  #146  
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yeah, I am getting the idea that these are quality. I just wish the pressure plate did not feel so soft.

Still, anyone have any idea what the real world difference is the longevity between "organic" and ceramic friction material? I am hard on clutches, and I dont want to do this every five minutes.

Also, anyone see an issue with using the ACT light flywheel with the Valeo?
 
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Old Nov 19, 2013 | 06:53 PM
  #147  
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Alright, I talked to Way on the phone, and he said not to waste my time, just get the Valeo. He said that mix/and match parts is a terrible idea. Also that he does not have enough data on the ACT kits.

When in doubt, I trust the most experienced voice in the room.
 
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Old Jan 19, 2014 | 06:51 PM
  #148  
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Mininuke - are you still having clutch issues? I do clutch replacements for $400 labor out of my home garage, Seattle area. (I've done several including at least two or three Valeo kits)
(I also do other R50/R53 work including cylinder head replacements)
 

Last edited by CORNERS; Jan 19, 2014 at 07:56 PM.
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Old Jan 19, 2014 | 07:18 PM
  #149  
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I just replaced my clutch on my 06 JCW r52 with 38k miles over thanksgiving. I opted for the valeo smf and am happy with my decision. I had the chew baca noise and it was driving me crazy. I did the install myself, it took forever and I learned a lot about my car along the way. Now the noise is gone and the pedal feels much better! Highly recommend unless your are modding to above 270 hp.
 
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Old Jan 19, 2014 | 07:55 PM
  #150  
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Originally Posted by CORNERS
Mininuke - are you still having clutch issues? I do clutch replacements for $400 out of my home garage. (I've done several including at least two or three Valeo kits)
(I also do other R50/R53 work including cylinder head replacements)




Where do you live ? that is a stellar price. Naturally I am sure you are no where near S. Florida.
 
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