Hello Folks,

I own a 2005 vRS mk 1 (AUQ engine), which has done only 30,000 kms since new in mostly town driving in Kingston, Jamaica. Had problems recently finding third gear and eventually had the box taken out. Not sure what the problem is exactly, but it is being fixed (labour costs are much lower here, spares are more expensive). In addition, I am getting the clutch, timing belt and and water pump replaced, since forum consensus seems to indicate this is advisable. Hours of trawling the NET have produced the following possibilities for clutches: - Sachs/Luk clutch kit (641441580, £150); Transmech clutch kit (641441581, £132) - both at Europarts UK. In the US, since Skoda is virtually unknown, I have assumed that clutches which fit 5-speed GTI 1.8T's will fit my vRS and have come up with the following: Valeo clutch kit (VLE52255603, US$304, discounted from $500+, car-stuff.com); Sachs clutch kit (WO133-1891446; $326, down from $680, car-stuff.com); Luk clutch kit (WO133-1598792, $394 down from $563, bestpricecarparts.com); SPEC Performance Clutch Kit stage 1 (SV361, $323, ultrarev.com). Many more alternatives are available at a higher price.

For the water pumps, I have found the following in the UK: Circoli (201440651, £26) and KWP (201440655, £40) - both at Europarts. In the US, Bosch (WO133-1804253, $121, discounted from $195); Bosch (BS96173, $76, down from $100); Graf (WO133-1822106, $65).

For the timing belt, I have found Contitech (325440545, £24 in the UK).

Any advice on the above would be most welcome, particularly re identification of parts which actually fit. Technically, I'm an ignoramus. I'm interested in reliability rather than anything else, and can't find what I'm looking for in Jamaica. Also searching for 'baulk rings' for the gearbox (EHA). All I know about them is that they are small and round.

Ok, so 55 views and no replies suggests there is too much to digest. Will try again: Can I replace the the original DMF with a Sachs WO133-1891446 solid flywheel conversion kit (which appears to include new flywheel)?

Edited 10 January, 201115 yr by JaSkoda