M758

it is possible that the center is destroyed but you are running around on the limp home latches in the center. When the rubber fails there are some metal tabs that will engage to still transmit torque. If you are easy on the car you may never even notice this. In any event are you doing the clutch or not?

VirginiaF1

With the inspection window at only 50% and the clutch still biting like a pitbull, not a need..

My thread opening was for opinions on whether a 23-year duration over 230k was possible.

Thanks to all for their opinions.
I will post pics of the surface and part# whenever a teardown is required.

1987Porsche944WithRealLongName

My car "had" 174k miles (the odo has been broken since I bought it..)

When I pulled the engine there was still a rubber center clutch in use, and it did look well used. However it still worked fine for DD and DE use.

MAGK944

IMO it is possible but not likely. You are either running on the tabs or the clutch was replaced with another rubber centered one.

Those tabs are quite capable of transmitting the torque. To test if this is the case do a quick launch and you will hear a clunk.

This is what the tabs look like on a rubber centered clutch:

944Ross

Have you grabbed the coupler at the transaxle and tried to twist it? If you're babying it, it may have been on the limp-home lugs for the last 10 yrs...

My '84 NA's sheared at 97k miles, 25 yrs.
My '86 NA's sheared at 92k miles, 24 yrs.

I can't imagine what shape the clutch fork and release bearing are in if they are original.

VirginiaF1

Just took it down the street and no clunks..
Also no noises when I quickly lift off throttle...

So... it would seem one of the previous owners indeed made at least 1 change-out.