[Tech] 16V Pressure Plate Q's - looking for a strongpressure plate for my '79 16V Scirocco

[paulmaione@videotron.ca (Paul Maione)]

>I'm looking for a strong pressure plate for my '79 16V Scirocco...
>
>Any suggestions?
>
>What kind of clutch are you guys running?
>
>I just got the 4K out of the '79, and when I unbolted the flywheel, the
>pressure plate surface ring slid down and was hanging from ONE strap.
>
>There's was 3 straps to start, but one was completely missing, and half
>of the one strap was left. Since I have a lightened flywheel, the broken
>strap wore a groove in the bellhousing.
>
>I didn't see any metal parts, just a bunch of iron/aluminum filings.
>
>I compared the metal strap to an older 8V clutch pressure plate, and the
>Sachs Clutch kit straps are half the thickness.
>
>I'm tempted to use it, since it still has the machining grooves...
>
>Any help will be appreciated!!!

peter.

from my recent experiences, i would totally recommend you
NOT going with a sach's pressure plate. i have had two fail
on me, (no botch factor). my friend with his brand new 2L 16v
bunny, killed one just about 3 days ago, with less than 2000 miles
on his motor. mine also destroyed in less than 2000 miles. and this
was during a break in period. the engine may have seen high rpm's
like less than a dozen times.

my other friend with a brand new clutch job (less than 2k on clutch)
also has had his fail. all the same problems with them. the straps all broke.
my second pressure plate broke two of the straps right off and it did
the cha cha in the bell housing. mega destruction. my friend broke two of
his straps. we haven't checked how many the bunny has broken. they all
have the same symptoms. press in on the clutch and it'll make a jinglin'
noise from the tranny.

i don't know how quality control is goin on down at sach's, but 4 failures 
locally
in less than 6 month's is making me worry. the one that i have in there now
is a sach's (which i ran all over to get), and now i'll always worry about it.

if i have to change it again, it'll be bloody murder. i think if it does 
i'll either
go with another german made company (LUK, or Valeo), or a high performance.
sach's is TOTALLY not living up to it's reputation.

good luck

paully