Had clutch go out. Before anyone asks yes I’m replacing IMS while in there. Main question I have is does anyone have recommendations on the clutch? Go OEM or something else?

I have 2004 C4S.

 

I don't have an informed opinion about the Carrera engines and their clutches, but if you consider a single mass lightweight flywheel you might encounter a little more gearbox chatter. Also, shifting with a lightweight flywheel needs good footwork. Everything happens quicker and you need to adjust your timing.

 

I guess it depends on what you use it for, but the stock clutch is a damn good clutch for daily driving and occasional track days. but If you track you vehicle enough to ACTUALLY know your lap times and plan to improve on them over time, go aftermarket.

 

Thanks. I actually track go carts now so don’t track the car anymore
so really just spirited street driving. just wasn’t sure if an aftermarket was better than OEM at similar price points.

i’ve been told stay away from light weight flywheel by many others.

 

Light weight flywheels = more rattle.
Stock clutch packages have always worked well for me. I absolutely avoid all rebuilt clutches even if it were given to me for free.

 

OEM clutch OEM flywheel. Don't cheap out. The cheap stuff has gotten pretty bad since COVID.

 

I replaced mine recently (while doing IMS) and brought up the idea of doing a lightweight flywheel with my very reputable and knowledgeable indy and they said don't do it for all the reasons laid out above.

 

Corso,

did you do the oil filled IMS or Retrofit Pro? I ask because while I’m doing the clutch I was gonna do IMS. However, I just learned that my IMS was replaced in 2014 with a LN Engineering bearing. It only has 15K miles on it, but time has been 10 years so now I’m banging my head against a wall. Should I replace the IMS again, or just the clutch knowing the IMS has already been done and has little miles on it.

 

I did the retrofit kit. I am sure your IMS bearing is perfect -- that said, if I was doing a clutch, there's a 90% chance that I would just do the IMS again while everything was apart. Probably money wasted, but these engines are just so damn expensive to replace.

 

Go OEM Clutch.
Also suggest IMS Solution. (Never change it again, even if you rebuild)
That's a good time to replace the AOS with the UAOS.
Also while you're in there...

 

I agree with most opinions to go with the OEM stock clutch...

Most people do not think about all the pro's and con's of upgrades......Some upgrades have no drawbacks/compromises at all, those are the no-brainers and usually much more expensive/developed, some upgrades have compromizes that must be considered..

If the engine produces the stock Torque, there is no need for more "clamp-load" from the clutch, Increasing the clamp-load with a stronger clutch increases the pressure/wear on the crankshaft thrust bearing especially in stop and go traffic....We have seen cases documented right here in this forum of metal debris in the oil filter and on UOA analysis that after disassembly was the thrust bearing wearing out, nothing else wrong with the engine...

Do not increase the load on the Thrust Bearing if extra clamp-load is not NEEDED....