Just trying to get an idea of "average" clutch life in a 997. I know an idiot can wear out a clutch in 500 miles or speed shifting at the track will decrease life as well (although that shouldn't really wear it out). I've seen some used cars with new clutches at 20k. Is that really the typical longevity of a 911 clutch? Any comments/feedback on expected life appreciated.

 

I had to replace mine at around 32k miles. I know how to drive, but my wife got stuck on our steep driveway and that was likely the culprit. Add to it countless valets. I now won't let anyone else drive it.

However, while replacing the clutch (opted for a Sachs Stage2 hi-performance unit), I upgraded to a LWFW, which is a really nice mod. Make the best of it if you have to do it.
CATTMAN

 

On a similar note, what is the approximate cost to replace a clutch with a Porsche OEM clutch (parts and labor)?

 

Like you said, it all depends on the driver. I have had clutches last for more than 200,000 miles in some cars. On a street driven 997, you should get 100,000+ miles. If you're the kind of driver that does not rev match or slowly engages the clutch to engine brake, your mileage will be much less.

Anyone who get less than 50,000 miles out of a clutch, baring mechanical problems, needs to learn to drive properly. This includes a car used exclusively for tracking. Excessive shifting does not wear out a clutch. Improper engagement does.

 

LWFW?
How much did the job run you?

 

LWFW stands for Lightweight Flywheel.
I bought from AWE an Aasco LWFW and a SachsStage2 hi-performance clutch, pressure plate, and throw out bearing. Installed was around $3k.
CATTMAN

 

200K miles on an original clutch = Never happen

32K miles sounds accurate . Replacing a clutch is approx 9 hrs labor plus the part .

 

If you are only getting 32,000 miles, you should move to the PDK. Clutch change cost at an indy is between $1200 and $1500, including the kit.

BTW: How about a wager of a new car that I currently have a car that has more than 210,000 miles on it and the orginal clutch? Just because some people can't properly driive a stick doesn't mean the rest of us have a problem. But, then again, you also think a 997.2 would pull away from a supercharged 996 in a straight line

 

200k miles per clutch?
hard to believe.
i replaced mine around 30k. I guess i need to learn to drive.
dealer said its about average life.

anyone getting more than 50 k miles per clutch, my hats off to you.

 

Over 10 hours of HARD track use (half of which was in 90+ degree weather), driven in urban conditions 80% of its life, and have 40k and still going on the original clutch. Engine blew at 21k miles and was replaced but original flywheel and clutch were retained.

Edit: All downshifts are rev-matched, and proceed from a stop with no more than 1k rpms and minimal slip of the clutch.

 

I know you are a mechanic of some kind, but surely you must know that the type of driving will impact the life of the clutch. 210k miles on the highway, 210k miles in the city, I doubt that it is possible. A clutch is like a brake pedal, it is designed to wear when used, don't use your brakes, they will last for ever. To say someone that can only get 32k on a clutch should move to a PDK is one of the least thought out statements you have made on this forum. Normally I respect your opinion, but you are off on this one.

Every independent and dealer I spoken to says 30-50k miles is the average.

 

I suggest that you search the various Porsche forums and you'll see dozens of postings of people with more than 100,000 miles on their clutch including the bloated TT's.

Here is just 1 posting:

http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforum...utch-life.html

I also know personally, dozens of Porsches with in excess of 75,000 miles on their clutch. Also note, that I also stated "baring mechanical problems". Other than mechanical problems or just poor product, a 32,000 life of a clutch is laughable.

BTW: Porsche (as well as most other dealers) encourage replacement of many parts before they need replacing.

Remember that forums like this one attract people with problems so problems may appear to be more wide spread than they actually are.

 

Generalizing and saying that everyone should get 75k+ on a clutch because a few dozen + cars get these kind of miles on there cars therefore if I don't or someone else doesn't then they shouldn't be driving a car with a clutch is rediculous.

I drive a ton of track days, have to feather my clutch to put the car on my trailer, drive it in down town traffic and a little bit of highway. Wanna bet that I will only get between 30-50k miles on my clutch! (I know how far i will get based on having it out when i added the LWFW, and chose to leave it as there is at least two years left on it) As far as I am concerned, I know how how to drive a car with a clutch. I have yet to wear one out on any previous car, and I am not concerned about replacing this one when I do need to.

 

Don't know what to tell you. Even on my truck that I pull my 2 ton boat with has more than 80,000 miles on the clutch. There is nominal additional wear to the clutch on a tracked car.

 

Thanks all, that pretty completely answers the question - or opens the debate! The b*tch in my used car hunt is that you can't tell how much life is on a clutch. If you get a car at 20k miles and it needs a clutch in 10k, that's a bummer. I guess the newer the better... Either that or a car with a recent clutch change. But that only tells me that a low mileage car with a new clutch is a car owned by someone that doesn't know how to drive it!