AZS2

I assume the color is just a function of the manufacturer. As in, whoever makes the brownish red one is making a better seal. I don't know if any of this is true or just paranoia. However, I just replaced mine this weekend with the black one. I can tell you the brown one I took out just looked like a higher quality. That said, I thought the XJ-6 Jaguars of the 80's looked higher quality than any Jap car of that era. Today, I doubt that is true.

DanG

So Paragon is the only/preferred source for a red seal, but you have to ask for it, right?

2Tight

Here's what my 10/04 Paragon order said for the red seal:
"Flywheel seal, item# 999.113.426.41, 911 78 on all, 924S all, 944 all - Seal is red in color $18.03"

Porsche-O-Phile

Any seal is better than no seal, although I'm sure certain types are a little better over time than others. . .

I've heard horror stories about certain rebuilders (no names, but some of you can probably figure it out) completely forgetting to put the rear seal in. Yep. That's a lot of fun after re-installing an engine to have to rip it out again. . .

Danno

"do you need to remove the transmission/clutch to replace the rear main seal? mine is leaking as well."

IMHO, it's faster to remove the engine to replace that rear main seal. I got a red/brown one from a local auto-parts store, NAPA, I think...

Personally, I think both the black and red/brown one works the same, haven't had problems with either. I suspect installation technique has a lot to do with it. Use a seal-driver or make one. Don't try to hammer it in by hitting one spot at a time and going around and around or alternating the spot, it will deform the seal ever so slightly and put uneven pressure on the outside and/or inside. Due to the soft rubber, you may not be able to detect this deformity. Last resort if you can't get a seal-driver, make one out of 1x2" chunks of wood. Build a square that fits over the seal so it touches on four sides. Put a 2x4 over the top of this square and pound straight in (lube seal first).

AznDrgn

I've found that PVC caps make great seal drivers, just take the seal with you and match one up at home depot or lowes.

IceShark

PVC plumbing caps, that is a good cheap idea for those seals that are bigger than sockets you have laying around!!