Last night on the way home, the older air cooled 911 next to me at a light kept revving it's engine and wanted to race. So, I launched at about 3500rpm, and it felt like I had no traction, the tach went over towards 6000 or more and my car was hardly moving (the tires weren't slipping either). I should have had him, but it didn't happen that way.
I assume it's the clutch, but I have no problems under normal acceleration. Is this the first sign of needing a new clutch? The car has 31K on it, how long should a clutch last? Do I need a new pressure plate too? Should I go with aftermarket- (Sachs) or something else? Any advice?

 

What year car?

 

99 C2 Cab

 

There is a known problem with the clutch release lever that binds during its movement. The cost of all replacement parts is about $50.00. The binding becomes a problem as the clutch wears and the lever has to move further to engage and disengage the clutch. It is seldom noticed until this wear occurs. Installation of another style clutch will also accent the lever's problem if it changes the travel of the lever. This binding can also cause the clutch not to be fully released immediately on hard, high rpm shifts. This could be your problem or there might have been enough of this slippage to prematurely weara out the disc.

In either case, the tranny has to be removed. Make sure that you have the new parts (per a Porsche TSB) installed with the new clutch kit.

 

So it looks like I need a new clutch? Is there one kind that is recommended over another? I was thinking Sachs, and have seen one on EVOMS.com for about 1500 or so. Seems a little high, is there a difference between their sachs clutch and the standard clutch? If so, is it worth the extra $$?

 

Sachs is the OEM kit. The stock clutch kit ($550) is more than enough for a 996 unless you have heavily modified the engine and are pushing more than 400+ hp. The release lever made many of the 99 996's clutches operate and wear improperly.

If you go with the next level (such as what EVO offers) the feel of the clutch will change because of the increased clamping force of the pressure plate. It is more of an ON/OFF feeling than the gradual engagement of the stock setup. Pedal travel during engagement will change. It definately will hold all the power you can dish out, but might be overkill for an NA 996.

I cannot stress enough...BE SURE THAT THE PARTS REQUIRED TO BE REPLACED ON THE TSB ARE IN FACT REPLACED. ASK FOR THE OLD PARTS BACK TO BE SURE.

 

Thanks for the info...

 

great clutch for much less. go to www.specclutch.com. stage 3 or 3+ great porsche clutches especially for the blower guys.

 

1999Porsche911-- Can you tell me what the TSB for the clutch release lever replacement is? I am on the verge of replacing my clutch as well and want to make sure the this procedure is completed while the tranny is out of the car.......I really don't want to do it twice.
thanks

 

Clutch Release Collar - Creaking Noises
911(996)
7/00 3041

When the clutch is activated7 creaking noises can occur in the area of the clutch release collar. The clutch release lever has been modified to eliminate the noise. In the event of a complaint, the release lever along with the other listed parts must be replaced. The modified release lever was installed in production on April 19, 2000 from the following transmission number: G9600 1018220.

 

hit up Sunset in OREGON for your clutch kit. i got mine for about $400...i had to replace mine at 32,000 miles.

 

You might have caused early failure by over-revving the engine on that start. The fastest way to launch the car is to feather the clutch, not dump it.