Clutch Masters 99-03 Audi A3 1.8L FX400 Sprung Ceramic Clutch Kit
The Clutch Masters 17036-HDCL-4SK is a complete FX400 clutch and steel flywheel package for the 1.8-liter turbo four with the five-speed manual. Our listing is titled for the 1999-2003 Audi A3, and the same kit covers the MK4 GTI, Golf, Jetta and New Beetle 1.8T and the early TT 1.8T five-speed. It is built for cars making serious boost: big-turbo conversions, K04 hybrids and aggressive tunes that have outgrown the stock clutch and dual-mass flywheel.
The FX400 pairs Clutch Masters' Power Plus I high-leverage heavy-duty pressure plate with a sprung ceramic disc. This version is the 8-puck HDCL disc, the milder of the two FX400 discs: its ceramic segments sit on a Marcel cushion between the linings, which gives quicker engagement than organic but with minimal chatter, and Clutch Masters designs it for street-driven cars. The 6-puck FX400 skips the Marcel and can chatter in first and reverse. Clutch Masters rates the kit at a 170 percent increase in holding capacity and an estimated 415 ft-lb.
The -4SK suffix matters. This is a conversion kit: it replaces the factory dual-mass flywheel with a Clutch Masters steel single-mass flywheel, which is included. Clutch Masters states this kit must be used with its specific flywheel, so do not reuse your old flywheel with this disc and plate. If you want to keep the factory flywheel, the 17036-HDCL without the SK suffix is the version built to OEM specifications.
Do a fourth-gear pull from low rpm and watch the tach against road speed; if rpm surges without matching acceleration while boost is on target, the clutch is slipping. Rule out a clutch hydraulic that is not fully releasing, and look for oil at the bellhousing from the rear main seal. Our slipping diagnosis guide covers the checks, and flare versus slip helps you describe what you feel. Be honest about use: Clutch Masters warns that ceramic discs are never recommended for stock or near-stock cars, because harsh engagement and easy slipping in traffic can shorten clutch life.
Clutch Masters lists 17036-HDCL-4SK for the 1999-2003 Audi A3 1.8L five-speed, 2001-2002 Audi TT 1.8L turbo five-speed, 1999-2005 VW New Beetle 1.8L five-speed, 2000-2006 GTI and Golf 1.8L MK4 five-speed, and 2000-2005 Jetta 1.8L MK4 five-speed. The first-generation A3 was not sold new in North America, so most buyers here will drive one of the VW or TT applications. It does not fit six-speed cars or the 2.8L VR6. If your car has had a gearbox swap, send us the year and VIN. For even more capacity on the same chassis, see the FX700 twin-disc kit.
| Brand | Clutch Masters |
| Part number | 17036-HDCL-4SK |
| Fits | Clutch Masters 99-03 Audi A3 1.8L FX400 Sprung Ceramic Clutch Kit |
| Vehicle fitment | Audi A3 (1999-2003) |
| Type | Clutch Kits - Single |
| Condition | New |
| Ships | Same business day (in stock), from the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Yes. The -4SK version includes a Clutch Masters steel flywheel along with the pressure plate, disc, release bearing and alignment tool. It must be used with that flywheel.
Yes. Clutch Masters lists the 2000-2006 GTI 1.8L MK4 five-speed. Six-speed and VR6 cars need a different kit.
Clutch Masters rates the FX400 at a 170 percent increase in holding capacity and an estimated 415 ft-lb.
It is the street version of the FX400. The Marcel cushion keeps chatter minimal, but engagement is quicker than stock, and Clutch Masters does not recommend ceramic discs for stock or near-stock cars.
Not with this kit. The 17036-HDCL-4SK is a conversion that requires the included Clutch Masters flywheel. The 17036-HDCL version is the one made to work with the factory flywheel.
Usually a little. Without the dual-mass damper, some gear rattle at idle in neutral is normal after a single-mass conversion.
