What it is
This is South Bend Clutch's Stage 3 Daily kit for 1.9L TDI, paired with a 22lb CNC-machined single-mass flywheel. It's rated to hold 400 ft-lb of torque, SFI approved, and built for high-power cars that still want a stock-like feel off the line.
Silent Design, no more rattle
Older high-torque TDI clutches were known for rattling at idle, the tradeoff for holding more torque with a single-mass flywheel. This kit uses South Bend's revised friction disc (released March 2012), which eliminates that rattle. It's the standard we point customers to now instead of the older "quiet" clutches.
What makes Stage 3 Daily different
The Race Engineered (SS) pressure plate carries a significant load increase over Stage 1 and 2 pressure plates (+600-800 lbs.), with roughly a 20-25% increase in pedal effort. Discs use heat-treated, wear-resistant hubs, and the sprung centers combined with a marcel fin between the linings create a dual-dampening effect that simulates OE-like engagement. The performance organic friction material has a high metal content, which raises torque and RPM capacity while running cooler, reducing wear and glazing.
Recommended use
Daily driving, spirited street use, and occasional track days.
Kit includes
Optional add-on
Cryo treatment is available for an additional $40 as a special order, call to add it to your kit.
Flywheel build
South Bend flywheels are CNC-machined from low-carbon, hot-rolled steel that resists warping and pairs well with the friction materials mated to it. Weight is tuned per application through field testing, balancing smooth operation with durability under load.
Fitment
Golf, Jetta, Jetta Wagon, and New Beetle, various Mk3/Mk4/Mk5 chassis with AHU, ALH, or BEW/BRM engine codes (1996-2006), plus 1996-1997 Passat with AHU/1Z. Full year/engine breakdown is listed in the vehicle fitment table. European or other applications, call to confirm fit. Part number: K70316F-SS-O.
Common questions
Will this clutch rattle at idle like older high-torque TDI clutches? No, this kit uses South Bend's Silent Design friction disc, specifically built to eliminate the rattle older single-mass-flywheel clutches were known for.
What's the torque rating? 400 ft-lb, SFI approved.
Is this a race-only clutch, or can I daily drive it? It's built for daily driving, spirited street use, and occasional track days, not a race-only clutch.
Does the pedal feel much heavier than stock? Somewhat, expect about a 20-25% increase in pedal effort due to the higher-load pressure plate.
