first of all, don't worry about it that much. you'll get used to it and the clutch will be fine. there might be a little wear at first, but if you're stalling you're probably not riding the clutch that much. over time, you'll get better and better and you'll get the feel of it. everybody has to get used to a new car, especially a high performance car at that, so no big deal.

the other detailed comments here are great - and nothing will replace practice.

from a technique point of view, i'd advise giving it a little more gas rather than less.

before you know it, you'll be looking back laughing about this - and helping out some new soul who just got a porsche.

 

The 09's have a hill-holding feature? Another thing in common with a Subaru? Oh, that's just a shame.
Next thing you know, they'll put one of those auto-clutch manual gearboxes in 'em...

 

As stated in one of the previous post, first and foremost, you need to know where your clutch engages. Knowing this position of your left pedal will mean the difference between jerking and/or stalling, and taking off like how an automatic should. Keep the word "simultaneous" in mind at all times. One foot is always doing the exact opposite of the other foot, simultaneously.

The way I was taught how to drive a stick many years ago was simple. I sat in an empty parking lot, pushed the clutch all the way down and threw it in first gear. I then slowly released the clutch until I felt the car creeping forward then I floored the clutch again. This is the pedal position where the clutch engages. Do this for a couple of times and your feet will remember the position quite well. After a few tries, I then I gave it a little bit of gas when it started creeping as I slowly let off the clutch. Got it on the first try and still remembered it til today.

 

Great post! I raised similar questions on the 997TT forum. I haven't driven a stick in quite some time and last time it was on a Viper which drives VERY different from Porsche.

For some reason I am struggling with my clutch. I hate the spring mechanism that pops the clutch out and feel that clutch engagement is too high. I know it will get better with practice but I have been struggling to keep the car smooth between 1st -2nd, especially under WOT.

 

It would be nice if you can practice on a beater.
I practiced driving stick in my first car (1988 Prelude).
In a cul-de-sac, I practiced reversing and then practiced starting in 1st gear (over and over again).
I try to keep it just under 1000 rpms.
Give it a little gas and slowly let go of the clutch.
Good idea to keep your foot totally off the clutch while driving.

Funny story...
I randomly parked next to a 997 (middle aged asian lady) last year and we got to talking.
She asked if and when my clutch was replaced (my original clutch is still good at 38K).
Her clutch went out at 15,000 miles.
When she went to the dealer to have it replaced, she said the dealer said that replacing a clutch at 15K is normal.
Yeah right, stop riding the clutch!
Good Luck.

 

I've driven manuals since my first car, a TR4. When I first got the C2S I too stalled a few times. Biggest tip I can offer: leave your radio off for the first month you own the car, so you can better hear what the engine is doing. After reading this thread yesterday, I took note of what I am doing (mostly unconsciously). I get the RPMs to 1000, gently release the clutch and give it just enough gas to keep the RPMs at 1000 as it engages, and once it has engaged I give it more. I use the brakes rather than down shift, and around corners brake first, then rev match to the lower gear and let it go. The one bit of evidence I have that this helps prolong clutch life is that I drove my old Saab 900 turbo the same way, for more than ten years (1990 to 2001) and over 150,000 miles (38k mi to 190k miles), without replacing the clutch. I've had other manuals but never kept any of them for more than 3-4 years.

 

Jman, why are you selling your c4s?

 

+1 on renting a manual car and get the feel for it. Then go get your porsche and go up and down a street practicing finding where the clutch catches, then depress it immediately after. Your foot will remember the spot eventually. I just learned how to drive stick about 2 years ago. Stalling still occurs but that's just part of learning