PRY4SNO wrote:
Due in large part to Nick's suggestion (and a local VW-mech friend of mine who swears by them) I went with ClutchNet over the much vaunted SouthBend (whom I'd been coveting for... years) to mate to my crate CGR.
Not going to lie, slightly nervous about "cheaping-out" on the clutch but worst case it'll be a deadly upgrade for my stock DD coupe q.
When I talked with Oleg on the phone, about their mfr'ing process vs other options like VAST b5 clutches (my upgraded frame of reference), I was sufficiently impressed to throw down then & there on the red PP and full face fibre-carbon set up. He mentioned that it'll feel very grabby but can still be slipped for parking/hill-start situations. Awesome. Warranty issues sounded like non-issues.
Something about Kevlar degrading/disintegrating at ~ 500*C (as per DuPont spec) makes me nervous, so I opted for the carbon.
HTH!
I was exactly the same! As a previous owner/supporter/happy Southbend customer, when I put my 200 together with the larger turbo ~two years ago, Southbend's prices were a solid 33% higher than Clutchnet. I hate trying new things as most of the time it comes back to bite me. Like you I felt almost as though I was "cheaping out".
My decision to go Clutchnet couldn't have been a better one. Not only did I save lots of money, I am VERY pleased with the results. So pleased that I have ordered exactly the same clutch for my 01E swap which is currently in progress (Red PP and 6 puck sprung hub).
I'll know shortly how the old clutch looks when I pull the transmission. I'll be sure to share pictures of it after ~45k miles of countless hard launches

Still holding strong mind you.
Not sure by your post, but how do you like the clutch? Or, is it not installed yet?
One other thing to add (related or not), I had a 6 puck Kevlar Southbend in a previous car that had lasted ~3 years/(~60k) and when removed was completely perfect. Held all of the 350wtq I was throwing at it in my 1990 Ford Probe GT Turbo. Actually sold it to someone else to enjoy. So, in other words, I've had good luck with Kevlar as a clutch friction material.