So my original clutch has just started to die after 203k miles, It has begun to bite on the floor when in heavy traffic so think the slaves gone, long overdue but not ideal timing financially. After talking to my mechanic he said he's fitted quite a few atc SMF kits off of eBay with very good results. I know people are going to say Sachs luk kits are the way to go, but want to get some first hand experience from anyone that has used these sort of kits. They are 180 all in they have really good eBay feedback and a 2 year warranty on the flywheel car is on standard power no mods and lives a pampered life maybe 5-6k a year what do people think ? 

I think you'll regret it, SMF is noisy and very hard on a fragile gearbox.

Spend another few hundred on doing it right with the standard kit.

Thanks for the feedback unfortunately I cannot justify the extra money ATM I understand about the extra noise just hoping the clutch plates hold up okay hopefully someone has experience with this sort of kits Ive used the same mechanic for years so I'm hoping he is right 

1 hour ago, CLARKVRS1492 said:

Thanks for the feedback unfortunately I cannot justify the extra money ATM I understand about the extra noise just hoping the clutch plates hold up okay hopefully someone has experience with this sort of kits Ive used the same mechanic for years so I'm hoping he is right 

 

So you're not asking us, you're telling us?

 

Crack on then.

I actually asked if anyone had any experience with these specific clutches 👍 don't throw your toys out mate I took your opinion on board 

 

30 minutes ago, CLARKVRS1492 said:

I actually asked if anyone had any experience with these specific clutches 👍 don't throw your toys out mate I took your opinion on board 

 

 

I'm not, I've been on here 12 years and I can guarantee you that in that time I can't think if a single VRS owner who converted to SMF without regretting it.

 

I don't care if you do or you don't, it's your money.

Whilst not the same car, we had an SMF G60 flywheel and VR6 clutch conversion fitted to our Golf Mk 4 1.8T that I bought new in 1998. 
This is the 3rd clutch fitted in 24 years of ownership and by far the best for feel, lightness of pedal and smoothness compared to the original dmf clutches. The car runs an uprated turbo at 235bhp and 270 ft lbs.
The only downside is a slight rattle on tick over. 

 If money is tight, and as you have not mentioned strange noises, have you not considered just a 3 piece kit and slave cylinder on your existing DMF to suit your current wallet. This will be a roll of the dice, and could result in more mechanic cost if there is a flywheel fail shortly after fitting.

Others with either more experience or knowledge may provide valuable input, but I would be surprised if a flywheel was designed only for the life of a clutch.

Yeah I did consider a 3 piece set but I think I can hear a faint rumble from the dmf which worries me 203k is very good going after all. I've booked it in for Thursday I'm hoping even if the clutch lasts 3 years thats about 20k miles so hopefully be in a better position to fit something else 🤞

If you have managed to get 200K out of the original clutch you've done well and it's a sign of how well engineered the standard components are.

 

In this case, having been there with SMF conversions on PD's, you will find the noise unpleasant. As you've said finances are dictating this route currently but as long as you go in with eyes and ears open you'll be fine.

I'd agree about keeping the dmf in place but at the end of the day its your money and choice.

At 200k miles I'd be concerned the gearbox will be next to go bang with a smf conversion.

I’d say don’t touch the DMF unless it’s showing signs of going. You can get the Sachs 3 price kit of carpartsforless for around £180 at the moment with the current sale offer.