Thanks to all of you for the information and personal experiences!After about 15 hours of sorting through lists of parts numbers, etc, I have come to some clutching conclusions.
The Sachs clutches are the OEM replacement for our TDI B4V cars. Sachs uses the SAME pressure plate in both their VR6 AND their TDI clutch kits. The primary difference between the two kits is different springs and the materials used on their clutch friction plates.
The TDI kit's friction disc is quiet, but doesn't hold quite as well. The VR6 one makes a bit of noise and uses a more aggressive friction compound.
The TDI kit is rated to ~260 ft/lbs, and the VR6 kit is rated to ~300ft/lbs.
You get to choose if +40ft/lbs is worth the noise. When it was brand new my stock Passat B4V TDI made about 150 ft/lbs. From what I've read, moderately modified ones rarely show over 200ft/lbs on a dyno...
EDIT --It's been more than two years since this installation, and the "VR6 clutch continues to work perfect, and it never made any noise.
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I would not be surprised at all if the SBC - South Bend Clutch "stage 1" clutch kit is a painted/ re-branded stock VR6 Sachs kit. Scrutinizing their images, I can't discern a difference. I realize that doesn't mean much.
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When you buy the OEM replacement clutch for our cars, i.e., the TDI Sachs Clutch kit P/N# K70038-01, it comes with the "VR6" pressure plate and the TDI friction disc, plus the throw-out bearing and an alignment tool. This is the same kit that is being advertised as the "Quiet" kit. This kit is rated at 260 ft/lbs torque before slipping. I believe the OEM clutch with OEM pressure plate is only rated to 200ft/lbs, but I might be mistaken.
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useful parts list
Pressure Plate VW# 044 141 025 x or #074 141 025 b (Sachs p/n: 021141025F -- same as VR6!!)
optional upgraded Pressure Plate (1996 VW Golf VR6) VW# 021 141 025 F (Sachs p/n: 021141025F -- same as TDI!)
TDI clutch friction disc VW# 028 141 035 c or #028 141 035 bx (SACHS P/N: 037141033B)
VR6 clutch friction disc VW# ?? (Sachs P/N: 021141031D)
clutch fork VW# 02j 141 719 c
release/ throw-out bearing is VW# 02a 141 165 g
6x 12 point pressure plate bolts (one use only) VW# n 902 061 03
6x flywheel bolts (one use only) VW # n 101 010 01
Manual Trans Main Shaft Seal VW# 327 54013 589
Rear Crankshaft Seal with Flange VW# 068 103 171 F
Clutch alignment tool
**there's no pilot bearing!
Sachs TDI Clutch Kit -- Sachs # K70038-01
Sachs VR6 Clutch Kit -- Sachs # K70038-02
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Here are the parts I ordered. I went with the Sachs TDI clutch kit. You'll note I went ahead and ordered several extra bits to replace while in there, since my car has about 220k miles on it... I also ordered a boot set to re-boot the CV Axles; mine are dying.
$35 clutch fork
$13 6x 12 point pressure plate bolts (stretch - one use only)
$18 6x flywheel bolts (stretch - one use only)
$9 Manual Trans Main Shaft Seal
$26 Rear Crankshaft Seal with Flange
$12 Clutch alignment tool
$110 Sachs TDI Clutch Kit# K70038-01 -- I got a good deal, but it's missing the bolts and alignment tool.
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$223 for everything.