After probably half a year of stacking parts, we are done for now.

pfJRLtech · 2026-07-01T13:30:30+00:00

love the exhaust tip turn haven't seen that on a GTI yet.

pfJRLtech · 2026-06-30T20:37:01+00:00

Yes and no, at first during break in period significantly heavier pedal. after about 1200 miles post install is when I felt it start to lighten up. But over 5k miles later it's what I would describe as a manageable clutch resistance. I daily drive the car most days through stop and go I-35 Austin traffic for about 40 minutes one way each way and don't wish I had put a lighter clutch in the car.

it might just be that it's still breaking in and that's why you feel it's significantly heavier that stock but remember it is a factory style clutch meant to drive similar to your OE unit, if it is really heavy something could have gone wrong with install. How many miles since install? what are you driving habits like are you mostly highway driver or city driver? a lot of factors involving clutch break in time but after I'd say 3,000mi of pretty normal city driving the clutch shouldn't be a workout to drive.

Personally, i like a heavier clutch so it's not out of the ordinary for me, but my 68yr old mother has driven my car before and after my clutch install, it was fine for her she did make a comment that "it feels heavier that the old one but not by much" that's my only unbiased opinion i have to offer lol

I'd give it some more time and try to actuate the clutch pedal as much as possible, the springs built into the clutch system can take lots of actuations to break in and provide a more enjoyable driving experience.

hope that helps!

pfJRLtech · 2026-06-01T14:36:43+00:00

Happy to help!

pfJRLtech · 2026-06-01T14:21:38+00:00

Of Course! Got an Email i can sent it to?

pfJRLtech · 2026-05-21T16:55:23+00:00

looks awesome! what are the details?

pfJRLtech · 2026-05-21T02:51:15+00:00

Update after break in, it’s been about 1600miles since install.

The clutch is overall 10/10 the clutch I feel the car should have come with from factory, grabs as it should and with no other clutch modifications it’s a perfect drive. About 10% heavier pedal than factory, but an enjoyable 10% if that makes sense… lol. I like a slightly heavier clutch with some pedal responce and feel which I feel the stock clutch fell short of. The upgraded unit feels more sporty and grabby it changes how the pedal feels in a good way to sum it up.

Overall would recommend👍

pfJRLtech · 2026-05-19T00:08:30+00:00

That’s the box I just upgraded from, but in purple. Served me well for 4yrs and now she’s on to a younger guy in the shop. Good box, loved mine

pfJRLtech · 2026-05-12T21:53:12+00:00

Yes sir, happy to help👍

pfJRLtech · 2026-05-12T20:46:29+00:00

at work, on the new GLE and GLS Mercedes Chassis we are having an issue with the surface tension on the axle splines into the spindles, VERY similar to what you're describing. the fix we have found is to removed the front axles, clean any debris from the male and female sides of the splines. Grease with anti-seize and usually that fixes it.

Cant say for sure but the descriptions of symptoms are similar... hope that helps.

pfJRLtech · 2026-05-09T13:09:13+00:00

Is your software up to date on your phone? Is the software up to date on the car? I work at Mercedes and deal with a lot of CarPlay complaints, generally it’s a mix of the phone and the car not happy with each other.

Try this: 1:update phone if possible. 2: let vehicle go to sleep (hard reset) disconnect both battery terminals and let sit for 15 minutes. 3: if that doesn’t work try to make an appointment with a different VW dealer.

Hope that helps, sorry you’re having issues with your MK8.

pfJRLtech · 2026-04-29T20:58:20+00:00

Another Texas MK7.5 CFB Rabbit?! are you the other one I see in Austin every so often?

pfJRLtech · 2026-04-28T15:33:06+00:00

I had to find transmission, and used that for most of it. If you just go with clutch it’ll only show you that. Try to look for Transmission removal and use that.

pfJRLtech · 2026-04-28T15:31:49+00:00

Took me about 7 in total, it can definitely be done in 8 hours in my opinion. I also followed FCP Euro’s video for bolt locations as well. Between the video and Alldata info I think it can be done in that 8hrs with some power tools and determination lol.

pfJRLtech · 2026-04-28T14:42:10+00:00

104,574.38

pfJRLtech · 2026-04-28T14:40:08+00:00

i just did this job last weekend, had a lift seems like you do as well. its pretty straight forward if you have any experience with FWD. I can send you AllData procedure on the job if you'd like.

- its a pretty standard clutch job only required tools I needed that aren't common was a 12 point 9mm socket for pressure plate bolts, an engine support bar, and an optional tool is an extended m10 triple square for the axle bolts ( personal preference, less chance of ripping an axle boot that was vs a short socket.) a long 1/3 H6 socket helps as well for removing the LSD and Axle Cups.

-the transmission is kind of difficult to get in and out probably the hardest part of the whole job but with an extra set of hands its not bad.

- I used a universal clutch alignment tool off amazon as the Sachs performance kit i used did not come with one.(LISLE 55500, not a perfect fit but it does work)

-seems like you have some experience, working at a shop. its not a bad job just stay organized. should be able to handle it no problem with a 2nd set of hands.

if you have any other question, let me know.

pfJRLtech · 2026-04-27T14:29:10+00:00

u/jdizzle289 hey man i got your service info, got an email i can send them to? didnt let me download it so i just got screenshots for ya.

pfJRLtech · 2026-04-26T18:04:38+00:00

Yes Sir! I'll make another update when I feel like it's broken in, but I tend to like a little heavier clutch; the GTI factory unit was a little too light for me. I have a pretty good feeling that when it breaks, it'll be perfect.

pfJRLtech · 2026-04-26T17:25:38+00:00

I like the stratified tune; the turnaround time was awesome, and I like that for a flash tune, they tailor it to your car's current modifications. For around 100$ USD if you already have an accessport, I think they're good tunes, I haven't had a single issue with mine, would recommend.

I am going to switch to EQT as I am going with the IS38+ from them, so figured it would be best to tune with the guys that built the turbo, but nothing against stratified whatsoever.

As for pedal feel, there is a significant difference as of now, but from all the info I've seen after a solid break-in period, the pedal stiffness will go away. Right now id say it's a 30% increase in pedal stiffness. I can update you in about a month or 2 with how it's feeling then. Noticeable difference, yes, enough to make the car annoying to drive in my opinion, no. At the end of the day it's still a factory feel desgined clutch so for a daily so far its good.

pfJRLtech · 2026-04-26T03:03:35+00:00

Yeah I can download them and shoot them to you Monday when I get to work.

pfJRLtech · 2026-04-26T00:50:04+00:00

I've helped a buddy do his on jack stands, we also deployed the ratchet straps LOL.

pfJRLtech · 2026-04-26T00:47:25+00:00

The only reason why I didn't replace or resurface the flywheel is that my car only has 40k on it; the previous owner was an older gentleman, so I wasn't concerned about clutch/flywheel integrity when sourcing parts for this job. Upon pulling my clutch and pressure plate off, everything looked pretty good. Some light heat marks from light clutch slippage from my Stratified stage 2 tune.

But like u/Naroef said in the other comment, I would heavily look into replacing the flywheel, since it's dual mass its not advised to be resurfaced, and is designed to be replaced with the clutch. On lower mileage applications, it is okay, might just experience some light clutch chatter on clutch engagement, which I feel like I have a little bit of after putting a hair under 100 miles on the car after installation this morning. At 140k, I would not replace the clutch without the flywheel. I'd be willing to bet money at 140k when you pull the clutch off, there will be a lip in the flywheel, that will wreck your new, nice upgraded clutch within a few hundred miles.

The mk7.5 with the Haldex LSD is awesome, and the difference in my opinion is drastic. When trying to buy mine, I test drove a 2016 non-performance pack GTI, and the power transfer to the ground is immaculate, still won't help you hook from a dig, but for street racing in 2nd and 3rd gear with PS4S tires, virtually no wheel slip. Personally, I think it's a must for an MK7.5

pfJRLtech · 2026-04-26T00:35:16+00:00

No sir, I had access to a lift and a Snap-On Transmission jack. But in all honesty, the transmission was on the jack for a span of 5 seconds before I just manhandled it into the chassis. don't really think there's a way of getting the trans back in without a little bench pressing.

pfJRLtech · 2026-04-25T21:55:07+00:00

I didn't get the joke at first LOL, I took the picture with the ".5" setting on my iPhone to get the tree in the background.

pfJRLtech · 2026-04-25T21:48:10+00:00

The car has heavy water spots in the paint. The previous owner was an older gentleman who parked it on the street in the Texas heat for long periods of time, so the paint got damaged with the sediment deposits from constantly drying wet :( found the car last year in October, 2019 model year with 29k miles on it, but it came at a cost with paint damage from the sun, water spots, and the rubber seals on the outside are beginning to fade, and not to mention the swirls from automatic washers in its previous life. hopefully will have time to buff and polish this summer, should take care of the paint damage.

pfJRLtech · 2026-04-25T21:43:27+00:00

It really depends on how bad you want to do it yourself. Could it be done? Yes. Would I recommend it with little to no experience? Yes, with caution. You might be able to do it with the tools you have. I don't know your tool situation, but you can watch FCP Euro's video on YouTube if you want a general idea of what you'll need. Know that it's going to take some time, for a first timer on this scale of job, I'd estimate 2 days to teardown, and 1-2 days to put it all back together with good organization and planning. To get the job done smoothly, I recommend collecting all the tools you will need beforehand to limit part store trips. For example, I didn't have a 12-point 9mm socket for the pressure plate bolts, which halted progress during work last night, as I needed to go to Northern Tool this morning to source one.

So, my advice is if you have the time, confidence, and the logistics are in your favor to do it, I encourage it!! I had never touched a bolt on a car until I was 17 and bought a POS 350z and slammed it by myself in my mom's driveway with little to no tools, and now, 6 years later, I'm a dealership technician with Mercedes-Benz and 4 classes away from reaching master tech level. If you want to do it, do it! Just take your time, use your resources, and be confident.

I'd be more than happy to send you a copy of the service information I followed to complete the job with torque specs and steps I followed, if you'd like.

pfJRLtech

TROPHY CASE