GST

After installation of my GIAC chip, I tried a few launches with my friend's G-tech. On the first launch, I revved it to 3000 rpm and aggressively let out the clutch. The car over-revved and hardly moved. I could smell the clutch burning so I stopped. Later that same day I did another launch at around 2500 rpm and let out the clutch (without "popping it out"). It launched "fairly well" but the clutch still slipped. I have heard that the clutch is the weak point of the S4 (European Car mag?). Has anyone with a chip had this problem? Am I launching it incorrectly? Are there after market clutches out there? Has anyone replaced theirs?

tuan

Had the same problem even before chipping. S4 has really weak clutch.

GRocky

I had to drive in reverse (below 3k) for a block and I could smell clutch.

AlabamaS4

<p>WIFE LIMITED!!!

Just a stock S4

I got 200+k on my last one (I5) and have 165k on my current one (I520V-NA). They straight cut the gears, but left the clutch alone? That's odd - almost unbeleiveable.

Grant

RocketJohn

Historically, Audi engines have been UNDERpowered... (read: SLOW!) :P

fastm3

I really don't understand why so many S4 owners are abusing their beloved car. If hard launching and drag racing is everything that matters than why not buy a cheapo Jap **** and throw in a monster turbo? It's still cheaper to destroy a limited production S4.

GST

I don't appreciate your use of the word "Jap". BTW, I am not "abusing" my car when I launch it at only 3000 rpm. I am not "popping" the clutch out. A normal clutch should be able to handle any hard launches at that rpm rate. I don't routinely drag race. I just don't like the fact that the S4 clutch is so weak. And don't tell me you have never hard launched your "fastm3".

JAH

Which can also be big $ to fix. The clutch is supposed to go first before something else breaks. The tranny is huge bucks on this car. The 1.8T clutch is really wimpy, I wasted my old 1.8T's clutch just by using a TAP stage I chip and exhaust. The adjustment ran out at 16k miles, and then it started slipping.

Jim De Arras

But I think a defective pressure plate was the cause. The pressure plates in the S4 are new, and "self-adjusting". I believe something was wrong with that mechanical part from the start, in my car. The replacement clutch/flywheel/pressure plate, all stock, feel VERY different now. Before, from the very start, I would occasionally have the engine over-rev with the clutch let out on harder launches or even shifts. Now, the clutch has no intention of slipping ever at all! Very solid feel to engagement.

Jo Hoppen called his contacts in Germany for me to check on the clutch, and the stock clutch should easily handle 450 HP.

And yes, in most cars, the clutch is the weak point in the drive train, by design, to prevent damage to more expensive parts. But it should not be as weak as you and I experienced, that is due to a defect, I believe.<p>Jim De Arras

<a href="http://www.imola.org">2000 00 Imola/Onyx/Alcantera S4</a>
MTM Stage III on order
MTM Suspension on order