R53 clutch replacement
 

The clutch in my 2004 R53 (6-speed, 126k miles) needs replacing. Curious to know what others have done when replacing a clutch. Question: should I replace it with a dual-mass or solid flywheel? My understanding is that the dual-mass helps eliminate vibration. This is not my DD, the only performance upgrade is a 15% pulley (plus 1-ball mod), and I don't track the car but I do throw it around a bit when driving. Opinions?

My vote is for the valeo for DD and standard modded weekend cars. As long as your not doing some super huge build or gains it will hold with common mods., pedal feel is good. Nobody i know has really complained about vibrations.

https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/52151203/

https://c1552172.ssl.cf0.rackcdn.com/1003345_x800.webp

I have to agree with ECS. A valeo clutch was one of the best things I did with my car. It has a sprung clutch disc and solid flywheel instead of the DMF being a sprung flywheel and solid disc.

I ran mine for about 5000km and didn't notice any more NVH, even idling in neutral at lights.

Check out Rockauto and eBay. I thing Rock was cheaper for the kit, but eBay was cheaper including shipping for me in Australia.

James

+1 , Yep, we have lowered our prices and have an exclusive with Valeo so we are the lowest right now, they were just updated, also we have a + kit linked that now one has at the time. Free ship in the USA main land.

Another positive Valeo experience here.

I found this clutch on rockauto.com " brute power/perfection clutch 95646SK".
It is almost half the price of the Valeo conversion kit 293$ vs 564$ Canadian taxes duty and shipping included in both prices.
Has anyone tried one of these clutches or has any information on them?

@TurboCola If you zoom in on the pressure plate, you will see that this unit (at least as shown) is a Valeo clutch. That's not to say that the product you receive will be a Valeo, but there is a possibility that it will be. If not, I'm not entirely sure I'd trust the site, but there is no evidence to suggest this in an inferior product until it gets used and reviewed. That being said, I won't ever use a DMF again. There are just too many ways in which one can go wrong and require more expensive replacements. Of course, that's only my $0.02 on the subject.

I would say go for whatever you feel comfortable with. Should you decide to get the RockAuto version and the markings seem off when you get it, you can always just return it and get the @ECS Tuning model. With them you know you will be getting the genuine article.

I went with the Valeo kit and I love it. Had some issues with alignment of clutch disc but maybe that’s just me.

l_danner, I had the same disc alignment issues (syncing with the trans input shaft) so it's not just you.

I have the Valeo kit and enjoy the lighter clutch feel. The engagement is progressive and gives good feedback.

Quick question though: Currently have mods below, plus a RMW header, and have a Dominator cam ready to go in once i get tuning worked out. Do you think im going to have an issue with it slipping? Anyone had any experience at what point it starts to slip?

We went with a LUK and a DM flywheel for our 6 speed swap. I do not care for the dm flywheel, but have no complaints about the clutch or clutch feel.

What's the difference in the "assembly" weight ?
Swapping from the OEM (dual mass) to a single piece flywheel "assembly".

Mike

+1 for Valeo Single Mass. Nice light pedal and no noise.

Update: clutch is installed. The lighter clutch feel of the Valeo does take a bit of getting used to but it's working very smoothly. Couldn't be happier.