I've always seen other people recommend this mod (or not see any difference). $40 investment, so I took the plunge. Did an afternoon install at a buddy's place (his house is nicer than mine, and there's a Cayman S to look at).

Took 20 minutes once the car was cool - no bumps, cuts, or anything. I used a jack to push the insert in place.


Impressions? A world of difference. My biggest gripe with the A3 was the clutch feel - releasing the clutch often resulted in a mild shudder in the car, and people commented on how "other drivers shift smoother than you."

The clutch still feels the same, but all my shifts are smooth as silk. No noticeable vibrations transmitted into the car, either.

For fun, I did a near-full-throttle (ESP off) takeoff at the lights, and was surprised to see that the car launched forward instead of the dreaded wheel hop.


100% recommend this mod, if you haven't done it already.

I dont think I have all the tools I need either, plus I just have a little jack and some jack stands.

I heard good things so I bought it. Then read a bunch of mixed feelings posts and put it off... This kind of thread makes me want to do it again though especially since I am a 6 MT guy also.

Do you notice an improvement in all gear changes? Any specific gear changes where improvement did not help or is now worse?

No gears are worse. 1st gear feeling is much improved, especially off the line. 3rd right up to 6th is like butter.

2nd gear still has a bit of a stutter during clutch release; I suspect it's more the electronic throttle than it is the motor mount. Chipping it will fix that.


As far as installation goes, seriously, it's not bad. Took longer to get the car jacked up and secured than it did to install the thing - lube 'er up good, stick a jack under it, and just jack it into place. You won't be able to put it in with your hands. Probably the best 1st mod out there - on a difficulty scale from 1-10, it was a 1.

Looking at the downpipe while I was there, THAT looks like it wouldn't be a first mod. Plus, while you're sitting there, it's the best view you'll have of the turbo without pulling your engine out.

I used silicone spray.

- Jack car up and place on stands
- Remove bolt
- Lube dogbone insert
- Use jack to force part in. I didn't think of this when I did mine, so I just used arm strength and got it done.
- Install bolt

Here's instructions... <a href="http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/edoc/mk5insertinstructions.pdf">per ECS Tuning</a>

I get crappy 1-2 shifts in my car as well, and instead of practicing more, maybe I should attempt this "mod". Not sure if it's good to jump straight into the complete kit.

Srsly though, the VF kit is a nice bit of hardware, but fvcking resellers over here (south asia) charge a bomb for them!

Maybe I can get April to smuggle me some on her next visit?