stolarzj

I picked up a Black 87 944S last night, as a project. It needs a clutch, steering leak fixed, and the AC looked at. It has 87k, and the head was rebuilt by a Porsche dealer about 10k ago, and a short block in the 50k range was put in about 3k ago. The interior is perfect except for the rear view mirror on the floor, and the broken armrest hinge. Unfortunately I can't drive it right now, because of the clutch, all I can do is look at it. I have a couple of questions..

1. I am thinking of just getting the SACHS clutch kit (spring), is this a good one to go with, or should I be going to centerforce or something? Also where is the cheapest place to pick up a clutch kit?

2. The guy I bought it from said the AC wasn't working right; I have receipts from a Porsche dealer in 2001 showing the entire AC system being replaced. The receipts also showed a can of R-12, I am hoping there computer wasn’t up to date to show the R-134a. I wouldn't think they would have a supply of R-12 cans in 2001. Any suggestions on what could be wrong with the AC? I really haven't tried it myself, the clutch sounds to painful to keep the car running..

Thanks..

Josh

Dave951M

The Sachs clutch is a good unit, don't have much with the Centerforce in these cars, but it does have a good rep. The ac can be an interesting trip. Have it looked over by a professional ac shop and get their opinion. There are replacements out there for 134a that are claimed to work better. One absolutely critical item is the timing belt, rollers, waterpump and balance shaft belt. Any one of those fail and it's big time disaster. There are a number of threads on replacing them and what happens if you don't. Welcome to the group.

Sami951

Since the head was rebuilt a while ago, you probably have a new cam chain tensioner in there too. I suggest you check it out though, just to make sure. Congrats on the car and welcome!

stolarzj

Thanks. I am assuming most all the belts and seals were replaced, but I am going to check them anyways. The water pump was also supposedly replaced. The owner before the last one, looks like he had almost everything replaced at his Porsche dealer within the last 15k miles. He apparently had money.. He even had the speakers replaced by his dealer.

jason952

If you do the clutch yourself, check out
<a href="http://www.paragon-products.com" target="_blank">www.paragon-products.com</a> , I was also eyeing that car, should be a fun project for ya. Maybe I could come and check it out sometime, yes yes? I live downtown on ashley. I do most work myself, but take the car to autometrics for belts, it's going wednesday actually. I am also the webmaster for our little porsche club down there, would love to have you at the next mtg.
Jason

ahofam123

Whatever clutch you get, make sure that it has a spring center. As for prices, check out <a href="http://www.paragon-products.com" target="_blank">http://www.paragon-products.com</a> <a href="http://www.pelicanparts.com" target="_blank">http://www.pelicanparts.com</a> <a href="http://www.vertexauto.com" target="_blank">http://www.vertexauto.com</a> just to name a few.

IMB951

I have a 944S with a centerforce clutch. I havent driven a 944 with a rubber center or sachs clutch so I can't tell you any differences. But I havent had any problems whatsoever with my centerforce clutch...

Devia

Congrats on the purchase of your new baby! I myself will be needing a new clutch soon; mine still has the rubber donut, but everyone suggests to get the spring centered clutch.

- Julie

stolarzj

I was actually thinking about Pelican because they had a complete kit, with new bolts and all. Since I don't have any parts yet, I'm going to spend the day working on the paint..

joseph mitro

josh,
congrats on the new purchase. i can't help much with the clutch, but i DO concur with SAMI951 to check on the chain tensioner. if you don't know what it can do to your engine, see my website and visit the link to "cam chain tensioner failure". let's just say it has been 3 months and over $3000 later...

944S2NUT

I have the centerforce aswell NO problems. How can you tell if the tennsioner was replaced? I have my old one sitting right here and it looks new.

joseph mitro

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by 944S2NUT:
<strong>How can you tell if the tennsioner was replaced? I have my old one sitting right here and it looks new.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">it's not the tensioner as much as the pad. the pad would look old, brown, cracked, and worn. the tensioner itself would be it good shape until damaged by a breaking chain