TheOtherEric

I have 993 stars in my eyes, but I recently heard that new clutches are extremely expensive. Obviously an issue to consider, since so many used 993s are in the 50,000 mile range. When would the clutch typically need replacing, and what is the cost?

Thanks,
Eric
(p.s. sorry if that's an old question, but the search function isn't working)

ca993twin

Properly driven, your clutch should last for hundreds of thousands of miles. In my 40+ years of driving (some of it on the track), I've never worn out a clutch in any car. However, when you buy a car second (or third, or more) hand, you don't know about the previous owners' driving skill. I don't know the cost of replacing a clutch, but if you are a performance oriented guy, and can put up with a little gear-rattle (most noticible when stopped, in neutral, clutch engaged), then you may want to consider ditching your heavy, dual-mass flywheel for a lightweight clutch and flywheel setup. That's what I plan to do if I ever need to replace my clutch.

fluid15

A clutch should not be a deciding factor of buying any car. The cost of a clutch is certainly within the negotiation window for these cars. The cost of replacing a stock 993 clutch is probably ~ $1200, give or take a few hundred dollars. Unfortunately I've replaced the clutch in both my previous Porsches (944Turbo @ 70k and 911 @ 30k) but it wouldn't change my opinion that you should pursue your purchase. I've also been told by a few Porsche shops that the 993 clutch holds up very well under typical street driving, most last over 100k miles. But as you know that's driver dependant.

To put it into perspective, a set of tires is ~ $800 and only last 20k miles if you're lucky. A clutch will probably last 3x-6x that.

Greg D.

Recent data point: My 96 needed a clutch at 42K mi (when I bought it). I think I will make it last twice as long easily, but the PO must have had "issues" with the power...

Cost at a dealer? $1700 for clutch, slave cylinder and installation. pressure plate was OK, if no, add $1000. Things like that made me buy a lift !!!

Glen

My 993 caqb had 145k on the original clutch when I sold it aqnd it was still working great!

Rick Lee

I plan to DIY my clutch job, though I'm hoping it does not become necessary anytime soon. In that case, I'll pay for parts and beer only.

Glen

Rick it is not brutal just takes time. If You can pull the engine at the same time and use it as a chance to change plugs, power steering belt , motor mounts(RS of course), and fuel filter. Others can add to the list as I know I have overlooked some items....

TheOtherEric

Isn't an engine drop necessary? I thought that was the reason for the $1500-$2000 cost.

That's quite a range for frequency of replacement...40k to 140k miles. I would have thought they'd usually fall within some narrower range. Maybe somebody can tell me how to drive in order to get 140k miles out of a clutch!!

Rick Lee

I got 232k miles out of the first clutch on my BMW. My Carrera's lasted 82k miles, but it actually had to come out for the G50 fork update - disc was fine. I will probably do an engine drop sometime next summer to replace a bunch of stuff on the engine and get the RS clutch setup. My Carrera clutch R&R took us two weekends, but we did a bunch of other stuff while we were in there. I really look forward to doing this job, but just don't need it for a while.

ca993twin

Eric,

The only time a clutch disc is subjected to wear is when you engage it with the engine and transmission turning at different speeds. You have little choice about this when starting from a dead stop (but get the engagement over with quickly), but all other shifts, both up and down, can be done with the engine and gearbox matched for speed. The clutch is hardly used under those conditions. Practice your heel and toe. The clutch is non-essential.

How often have you seen someone on a slight hill at a stoplight slipping their clutch instead of using their brakes? Clutch manufacturers love those guys. Hard (drag race) launches also use up a lot of clutch material. Downshifting without matching revs can take miles off a clutch as well.

Smoothness is the key. Your shifts should be barely perceptible (motion, not noise) both up and down. It a Zen thing.

s2racer

i was planning on replacing the clutch when i had the gearbox overhauled (2nd and 3rd syncros getting worn)...i'm not having any particular problems with the clutch (other than a sticking pedal), but it seems like it would be as good a time as any to do the work. any opinions on this?

thanks