Hi Peter,
The Spec 2+ Clutch & Steel SMF have been in for 2000 miles and now that it has all bedded and set in properly, there is no issue with drive-ability. The only problem I currently have is that I did not get a braided clutch line fitted and so there's the odd time having difficulty getting it out of 1st at low RPM and also when it's really cold then the pedal does not return 100% on its own until warmed up, however I'll be ordering the kit from AKS soon which will resolve these issues.
In terms of high RPM gear changes then so far I do not have any issues, I've only seen just the one complaint on here regarding the Spec 2+ setup which is the one you've mentioned with getting it into 4th and I'm not suffering from this myself of which I've done plenty of 7K+ RPM gear changes. I know the Sachs & LOBA SMF is a lot more susceptible to the high RPM gear change issue than the Spec.
I had the 42 Draft Designs Shifter Bracket Bushings Kit, 42 Draft Designs Shifter Bushing Kit, Sliding Shoe (6Q0 711 550), Bracket (5K0 711 203 B) and Nut (N 907 611 02) done at the same time, whilst also having the Powerflex Lower Engine Mount Large Bush Insert done before.
Up until around 1500 miles then I used to get slight judder in 1st and a fair amount in reverse both at low RPM which did my head in but thankfully these finally subsided which I'm grateful for. The biting point was really low and pedal was fairly heavy at first but after 150 miles these both sorted out as well and feel very similar to stock which was a relief.
Once I've had the braided clutch line fitted and done some more driving then I'll write up a final review. The chatter at idle/low RPM is disgusting haha but the 2L TFSI lump sounded like a horrible diesel to start with anyway so no love lost there. I'd much rather that with a clutch & SMF rated to 450ft-lbs which can take aggressive starts (I rarely do these though tbh) than the potential of a slipping DMF that a fair amount have found.
Cheers.
