So I replaced the factory clutch on my '00 M5 with 30k as it was slipping pretty badly at several track events last year. After reading all of the mindnumbing threads/opinions/rants, I decided to call Rob at UUC for some clarification. I don't really understand the intracasies of clutches, nor do I care to. I get the basics of clutch size, lightness of flywheel etc, but I'd much rather drive than turn a wrench.
So, I now have 2k miles on this set up and I thought I'd share my thougths with you since this is/was such a hot topic and many other owners may be soon scratching their heads wondering what to do.
Although my clutch was slipping, it only slipped under heavy acceleration between 2nd and 3rd and 3rd and 4th and only when the car was driven hard, ie, track use. It never slipped around town under normal or spirited driving and I suspect I could have possibly driven another 30k with that clutch. But since I track it, I wanted it fixed.
First and foremost, I was very happy with Rob at UUC, his apparent knowledge and the fact he spent over 45 minutes with me via phone on a Monday morning. Instead of selling me a particular clutch, Rob probably did the most important thing anyone can do and that's ask questions. After determining my style of driving, it was recommended I purchase the Sachs Power Clutch.
With time now under my belt, I will tell you the clutch is very smooth and feels very similar to the factory clutch. Note it does not feel exact, but very similar. I can sometimes feel a grabbing sensation as I release the clutch in first gear. After a hard weekend at Barber Motorsports Park recently, the clutch performed flawlessly.
As for the lightweight flywheel, yes, I can notice a seat of the pants difference as the car seems to rev and accelerate much quicker. Very nice.
As for rollover noise, it is definitely evident once the car is fully warmed up and only evident when the clutch pedal is not depressed. When the windows are rolled up, I can still slightly hear it. When windows are down and radio is off, it is very evident. I did understand and accept this going in and believe it's part of the trade off of having a capable clutch and lightened flywheel. If this is a concern for you, I'd recommend to try and listen or drive this setup before purchasing. I'm not sure I will go back to Powerchip to raise my revs as has MIB done, but, nonetheless, that seemed to solve this issue.
I am getting a infrequent vibration (4k-5k rpms) that I recently pinpointed as coming from the UUC SSK that had been installed over a year ago. So, I may take it back to the shop that performed the clutch install to see about a remedy as this vibration is NEW since the clutch install.
So, I have enjoyed this clutch and the confidence it instills knowing it will not slip under heavy track use. I also have really enjoyed the quicker revving engine due to the lightened flywheel. TO ME, this benefit far outweighs the issue some people have with the rollover noise. Going back to an OEM clutch was not an option for me. I hope this helps and I welcome your PM's or comments if I can provide any other help. Thanks again to Rob at UUC, LSCMAN, RROBERTS and others for their committment to this board to keep the facts from opinions.
TripleD
Re: New Sachs Power Clutch
Linear Mode
