DCT clutches replacement on SC E9x M's

[GIdriver]

I'm looking foward to SC my E90 (probably ESS VT2-585) and wanted to hear from fellow members how common/frequent the DCT clutches need to be replaced on SC cars. I know wear will be greater but wanted to know if this is a common issue. Dragstrip experts are welcomed to chime in, as I'm intrested in hitting the strip (hopefully) 3-4 times a year as well as 2-3 1/2 mile events a year. Thanks in advance.

[DLSJ5]

Originally Posted by GIdriver

I'm looking foward to SC my E90 (probably ESS VT2-585) and wanted to hear from fellow members how common/frequent the DCT clutches need to be replaced on SC cars. I know wear will be greater but wanted to know if this is a common issue. Dragstrip experts are welcomed to chime in, as I'm intrested in hitting the strip (hopefully) 3-4 times a year as well as 2-3 1/2 mile events a year. Thanks in advance.

If you launch the car a lot or hit the drag strip frequently, then you may need to replace them eventually, otherwise I highly doubt it.

[GIdriver]

Originally Posted by DLSJ5

If you launch the car a lot or hit the drag strip frequently, then you may need to replace them eventually, otherwise I highly doubt it.

Thanks Drew. I don't remember reading it, have you replaced yours?

[OM VT3]

He has once but he has likely done over 100 launchs using LC at the strip I think it would be many more the 100 but

[GIdriver]

Originally Posted by leigh

He has once but he has likely done over 100 launchs using LC at the strip I think it would be many more the 100 but

Thanks for the info!

[JDM3]

I have a few hundred LC on mine and its fine but don't plan to be running the strip much more. Your fine, the DCT can handle 650whp with no problem and no bolt kit makes that kind of power unless you do a low compression build

[GIdriver]

Originally Posted by 1SICKM

I have a few hundred LC on mine and its fine but don't plan to be running the strip much more. Your fine, the DCT can handle 650whp with no problem and no bolt kit makes that kind of power unless you do a low compression build

Thanks!

[m33]

If you use launch control you will be fine . Now if you goto the strip and use S mode or Auto mode you will get slippage on your odd gears

[ArthurJGuy]

Originally Posted by 1SICKM

I have a few hundred LC on mine and its fine but don't plan to be running the strip much more. Your fine, the DCT can handle 650whp with no problem and no bolt kit makes that kind of power unless you do a low compression build

Is any type of tune or flash required to support these levels on the DCT?

I have had some tuners tell me yes above 580whp, and I have had some tell me none required.

[JDM3]

When you floor the gas pedal in DCT it does a 3000rpm clutch drop and it can be pretty violent. LC launches at 5500 but it doesn't drop the clutch but rather the trans slips on purpose to reduce wheel spin. I think LC is a lot less stressful on the tranny than most think vs the clutch drop from a dead stop in 1st gear

[m3an]

Originally Posted by 1SICKM

When you floor the gas pedal in DCT it does a 3000rpm clutch drop and it can be pretty violent. LC launches at 5500 but it doesn't drop the clutch but rather the trans slips on purpose to reduce wheel spin. I think LC is a lot less stressful on the tranny than most think vs the clutch drop from a dead stop in 1st gear

I would think it's the opposite. (at least for the clutches).

LC is really just slipping the clutch more, whereas just dumping is def less wear on the clutch but def harsher on the driveline. The fine point in between is where its at!

[DLSJ5]

Originally Posted by GIdriver

Thanks Drew. I don't remember reading it, have you replaced yours?

When I upgraded to a VT3 my clutches started to slip. I never used a Line Lock, I had early DCT software that allowed standing burnouts, but with the brakes applied that did put more wear on the car than using a LL would. I just think the tons of standing burnouts, launches, etc. took it's toll, and then with over 600whp it started to slip.

I replaced the stock clutches with SSP Kevlar, and we had issues, then eventually had to replace the transmission, so I bought a used one with low miles and just kept the stock clutches, so far it's holding well.

[m33]

Originally Posted by m3an

I would think it's the opposite. (at least for the clutches).

LC is really just slipping the clutch more, whereas just dumping is def less wear on the clutch but def harsher on the driveline. The fine point in between is where its at!

It's not the opposite Scott "1sickM" is 100% right launch control will control the launch ( doing what is was designed to do ) whereas hitting it in 1st has a violent effect On the clutch and will cause a slip spot.

I think I might need a new clutch due to this very reason from our previous track event I did about 50 launches starting in first.
Reason ? When I was using launch control I was doing standstill burn outs due to tires not being sticky enough or at least not being Drag radial tires .

The car is at the dealer getting check out but i think it needs a new clutch .
All odd gears slip, have a sloppy jerky shift into the odd gears whereas the even ones are smooth ...
You play you pay & the messed up part is I always preached not to do what I did but when your in the moment and excited focusing on your 60' ft's you can easily forget or do something stupid as I did ...

[m3an]

Originally Posted by m33

It's not the opposite Scott "1sickM" is 100% right launch control will control the launch ( doing what is was designed to do ) whereas hitting it in 1st has a violent effect On the clutch and will cause a slip spot.

I think I might need a new clutch due to this very reason from our previous track event I did about 50 launches starting in first.
Reason ? When I was using launch control I was doing standstill burn outs due to tires not being sticky enough or at least not being Drag radial tires .

The car is at the dealer getting check out but i think it needs a new clutch .
All odd gears slip, have a sloppy jerky shift into the odd gears whereas the even ones are smooth ...
You play you pay & the messed up part is I always preached not to do what I did but when your in the moment and excited focusing on your 60' ft's you can easily forget or do something stupid as I did ...

no I def get it, but a violent launch is gonna kill the drietrain regarldess; LC slips the clutch enough, but that in turn is more wear on the clutch faces. In any event wheelspin is better than breaking Hope car gets fixed

[JDM3]

Originally Posted by m33

It's not the opposite Scott "1sickM" is 100% right launch control will control the launch ( doing what is was designed to do ) whereas hitting it in 1st has a violent effect On the clutch and will cause a slip spot.

I think I might need a new clutch due to this very reason from our previous track event I did about 50 launches starting in first.
Reason ? When I was using launch control I was doing standstill burn outs due to tires not being sticky enough or at least not being Drag radial tires .

The car is at the dealer getting check out but i think it needs a new clutch .
All odd gears slip, have a sloppy jerky shift into the odd gears whereas the even ones are smooth ...
You play you pay & the messed up part is I always preached not to do what I did but when your in the moment and excited focusing on your 60' ft's you can easily forget or do something stupid as I did ...

So your assumption that the clutch was slipping was spot on when you called the other night. That sucks! Keep us in the loop....

[erm324]

Originally Posted by 1SICKM

So your assumption that the clutch was slipping was spot on when you called the other night. That sucks! Keep us in the loop....

I dont think his clutches are slipping, I think his transmission is similar to mine and something else is up. My car under WOT doesn't slip, but the tranny is notchy/clunky as hell. I hope he gets it fixed because I'll follow and do the same if we can find out what it is! If the tranny is slipping it would slip at high rpm - I think this "slip" zim is describing is the same delay and subsequent clunk that I experience when shifting at like 2-4krpm. He knows what I'm talking about I told him about it on the phone the other night. Scott your DCT is fine? You're lucky man! lol....what I'm experiencing doesn't effect performance, however it ruins the smoothness of the car around town at any other time than when I race (or used to for that matter). It almost feels as if something is loose or not sitting right - it could be something wrong with the tranny as well as the drivetrain. Those launches we do destroy both.

[JDM3]

Originally Posted by erm324

I dont think his clutches are slipping, I think his transmission is similar to mine and something else is up. My car under WOT doesn't slip, but the tranny is notchy/clunky as hell. I hope he gets it fixed because I'll follow and do the same if we can find out what it is! If the tranny is slipping it would slip at high rpm - I think this "slip" zim is describing is the same delay and subsequent clunk that I experience when shifting at like 2-4krpm. He knows what I'm talking about I told him about it on the phone the other night. Scott your DCT is fine? You're lucky man! lol....what I'm experiencing doesn't effect performance, however it ruins the smoothness of the car around town at any other time than when I race (or used to for that matter). It almost feels as if something is loose or not sitting right - it could be something wrong with the tranny as well as the drivetrain. Those launches we do destroy both.

Mine feels fine as the day i bought the car. I dont plan to hit the dragstrip anymore unless someone beats my record with a VF or AA kit

[m3an]

Originally Posted by erm324

I dont think his clutches are slipping, I think his transmission is similar to mine and something else is up. My car under WOT doesn't slip, but the tranny is notchy/clunky as hell. I hope he gets it fixed because I'll follow and do the same if we can find out what it is! If the tranny is slipping it would slip at high rpm - I think this "slip" zim is describing is the same delay and subsequent clunk that I experience when shifting at like 2-4krpm. He knows what I'm talking about I told him about it on the phone the other night. Scott your DCT is fine? You're lucky man! lol....what I'm experiencing doesn't effect performance, however it ruins the smoothness of the car around town at any other time than when I race (or used to for that matter). It almost feels as if something is loose or not sitting right - it could be something wrong with the tranny as well as the drivetrain. Those launches we do destroy both.

you running stock trans mounts? wouldn't hurt upgrading esp if you're launching the car

[GIdriver]

Originally Posted by DLSJ5

When I upgraded to a VT3 my clutches started to slip. I never used a Line Lock, I had early DCT software that allowed standing burnouts, but with the brakes applied that did put more wear on the car than using a LL would. I just think the tons of standing burnouts, launches, etc. took it's toll, and then with over 600whp it started to slip.

I replaced the stock clutches with SSP Kevlar, and we had issues, then eventually had to replace the transmission, so I bought a used one with low miles and just kept the stock clutches, so far it's holding well.

Thanks for the info. With the VT2-585 I believe that RWHP should be around 500. After seeing all the beating those VT2 and VT3 DCT's can take I guess I should be fine.

[biglare]

You will not need to worry about your clutches with the VT2-585 kit. Get it and enjoy it!

[m33]

It's been confirmed I need a new clutch !
Pretty stupid of me , I should have just bought MT's and I could have avoided this
Let this be a lesson for all you DCT OWNERS use launch control !!!

Btw the car shifts just fine it's the jerkiness that I don't like when it shifts into the Odd gears that's why I'm replacing my clutches cause other wise I can keep the existing one and be just fine but I like my smooth shifting

[alpina527]

Originally Posted by m33

It's been confirmed I need a new clutch !
Pretty stupid of me , I should have just bought MT's and I could have avoided this
Let this be a lesson for all you DCT OWNERS use launch control !!!

Btw the car shifts just fine it's the jerkiness that I don't like when it shifts into the Odd gears that's why I'm replacing my clutches cause other wise I can keep the existing one and be just fine but I like my smooth shifting

How much is the new clutch inc fitting?