AA Tuning Clutch

JMC69871 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-22-2005, 09:21 PM

I currently have an AA Turbo clutch and AA Lightweight flywheel sitting in a box in my room. It is going to be installed this weekend. Does anyone run this setup? How do you like it? Hows the streetability? Thanks.

nondescript · #2 (**permalink**) 02-22-2005, 10:05 PM

Clutch is good. Clamping power is very good for what it is. I wouldn't try it on anything too much over 450+ rwhp, but it is a good step up from oem.

Personally I love what the flywheel does to throtle response, but I hate what it does to the motor. Prepare for diesel engine sounding clank clankietie clank from the car @ idle.

I don't know all the details, but it goes something like this: The system is calibrated for a certain amount of rotating mass to transfer energy from the flywheel to the rest of the engine. When you reduce the flywheel weight, you reduce the amount of stored energy in the flywheel, which @ idle means that it doens't "help" the motor turn as much as the thing is "expecting"... Which means I think the timing gets thrown off a little and ultimately it can cause some ugly engine knock. Under throttle, the majority of the energy is coming from the power stroke of the engine, so it compensates correctly. It's just at low RPM that the system gets a little "touchy"... AA says it's fine. I still don't like it.

Streetability: Fine. No problems, except the ones you cause yourself.

Oh, btw: This is based off a couple test drives I took in cars with said AA equipment. Didn't buy either one. Someone who lives with that setup daily will probably have a better way of explaining the flywheel mass stuff I'm getting at. FWIW.

Dado · #3 (**permalink**) 02-22-2005, 11:01 PM

I believe the AA turbo clutch is a modified sachs clutch. Not very streetable because it has an on/off feel. You will hear some rattling because of the flywheel.

It will also squeal.

JMC69871 · #4 (**permalink**) 02-22-2005, 11:09 PM

What do you mean by squeal?

deep throat · #5 (**permalink**) 02-23-2005, 05:52 AM

means you don't have sorta a "range" when u depress ur clutch to change gears!! u'll have a threshold instead, u reach that level of depressing--->good to change gears, but NOT before that! also releasing the clutch won't be as smooth as it is with you now..

Greekthang · #6 (**permalink**) 02-23-2005, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMC69871

I currently have an AA Turbo clutch and AA Lightweight flywheel sitting in a box in my room. It is going to be installed this weekend. Does anyone run this setup? How do you like it? Hows the streetability? Thanks.

Dont do it !!!!!!! My buddy had it installed recently and he is taking it out. That combo rattles like a mofo. At idle it sounds like a f**king diesel. He is pissed. You need a spring hub clutch to take care of the noise or you will regret it other than that great clamping power

nondescript · #7 (**permalink**) 02-23-2005, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dado

I believe the AA turbo clutch is a modified sachs clutch. Not very streetable because it has an on/off feel. You will hear some rattling because of the flywheel.

It will also squeal.

More clamping power, more pedal force... Yes. But it's not on/off like the 4 and 6 puck clutches are. you _can_ get used to it, but the engagement point does come at you fast, and will take some getting used to.

Dado · #8 (**permalink**) 02-23-2005, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMC69871

What do you mean by squeal?

Because of the material, right when it is engaging it will sound like you are actually peeling out but it's the actual clutch engaging. It gets louder as you break the clutch in.

Dado · #9 (**permalink**) 02-23-2005, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nondescript

More clamping power, more pedal force... Yes. But it's not on/off like the 4 and 6 puck clutches are. you _can_ get used to it, but the engagement point does come at you fast, and will take some getting used to.

Well the one I have is a 4 puck. If he is talking about the ""AA" (sachs) turbo clutch then I suppose he is talking about the same one I have.

reavisM3 · #10 (**permalink**) 02-23-2005, 09:27 AM

I currently have this setup and love it. The throttle response and clamping force are awesome. If you get the kit that comes with the aa clutch fork then the engagement is not bad. Feels just like a stock clutch, just a little bit stiffer.
It is a little bit noisy at idle when the clutch is engaged. If you just hold the clutch in the noise goes away. You can especially hear the noise (rattle) when up against a wall, like in a drive thru. As far as squeal goes, I have noticed that when I take off hard and slip the clutch to keep the tires from spinning that it will make a squealing or honking type sound. No big deal it only lasts as long as I slip the clutch. If I dump the clutch I hear no noise at all. Just tire squeal.
I have had the clutch/flywheel for almost 30,000 miles and have had no problems with it and I drive the piss out of my car. The noises do not bother me, but that may just be me. I am willing to give up comfort for speed.
As far as 4 and 6 puck clutches, I have had no experience with these setups.

Hope this helps.

nondescript · #11 (**permalink**) 02-23-2005, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dado

Well the one I have is a 4 puck. If he is talking about the ""AA" (sachs) turbo clutch then I suppose he is talking about the same one I have.

No, there is a difference...... The "turbo" clutch still uses the OEM style friction disc... It clamps harder, but still has the ability to slip and isn't instant on like the bronze material used in the 4 puck (which is an on/off switch baiscally)...

Turbo Clutch:

vs...

4 Puck:

But back on topic: I still don't like the way the engine gets thrown off by the flywheel, M3's shouldn't sound like they have an early 80's MB diesel engine in them.

JMC69871 · #12 (**permalink**) 02-23-2005, 04:40 PM

Thanks for all the responses guys. I do NOT have the 4 puck disc, I have the OEM style one. I did purchase the AA Clutch fork and a new pilot bearing. I am going to replace the rear engine oil seal as well. I can't wait to get it done. I will keep you guys posted on how I like it.

JMC69871 · #13 (**permalink**) 03-06-2005, 09:25 PM

I got the car back on Saturday. I like it a lot. It is great. The rattling isn't as bad as I anticipated, though there is some. I'm still in the process of breaking it in, but from what I can tell it seems good.

333m3nut · #14 (**permalink**) 03-07-2005, 08:09 AM

I have this setup also..I like mine i olny notice a verry small ticking at idle that is way overpowerd by the sound of my exaust.I like this clutch and flywheel etup thus far..

JMC69871 · #15 (**permalink**) 03-07-2005, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 333m3nut

I have this setup also..I like mine i olny notice a verry small ticking at idle that is way overpowerd by the sound of my exaust.I like this clutch and flywheel etup thus far..

Do you notice a lot better clamping force over the stock clutch?