Hey Guys,

I test drove a 1992 968 today. To my surprise, the clutch was stiff. Is this normal or something is off? I didn't feel any slippage during the test drive. No service history of clutch change. Is currently @ 100,000 miles, so highly likely not the original rubber centre clutch.

My 944S clutch was very smooth/soft - even before or after my clutch change.

Your thoughts?

 

Really depends on the clutch and PP assembly.

My car had an upgraded system in it when I bought it but the guy I got it from had no idea.

My pedal is heavier than stock with the KEP pressure plate now.

 

No info on type of pressure plate or clutch. I was only thinking standard Sach clutch.

 

I am not sure if the 968 ever had a rubber center clutch. Please someone correct me if I am wrong. I have never done the 968 but I believe it is a 3 or 4 hour job compared to 16.

 

the 968 has a dual mass clutch. they do feel quite heavy compared to my 8v. i havent looked under mine but reading around iirc they have a 2 pc torque tube... or a 2 piece something, that assists with clutch changes.

 

Clutch job on a 968 is a breeze. Mine had a bad fork rod and worn out pedal bushing. Make sure there is no crack in the firewall near the master. Have someone push the clutch pedal down while you observe firewall flex near the master.
My clutch is all new spec and is still a lot harder than my 944. If you buy a clutch plate try to get an original strength and not the 911 one.

 

No rubber center clutch plate. No dual mass clutch, dual mass flywheel, which can fail.
No 2 piece torque. tube , but gap down length to supposedly. help keep vibration down.

 

Do check for cracked firewall.

968 Has a heavier clutch. pedal booster. spring , not sure if that accounts for much in pedal feel.
If you do decide to buy this car, get a PPI done. I didn't and paid 15k to porscheg96 for a car that was supposed to be a 9 of 10 in both interior and exterior. This car had beat up hatch carpet, temp controller with all 4 corners cracked. It had just about every screw in the interior wrong, sunroof lifted crooked...although just by 2 teeth. When I went to fix that, found the lift arm guides broken.
Bat-wing was nasty, side skirts were badly repaired, rear Jack points smashed, rock chip in headlight and fog light. Repaint has swirls from badly prepped primer, door cards fit badly, hatch glass delaminating,....so can you see my point on why to get a PPI?
It's taken a lot of effort to correct my mistake of not doing a simple thing.

 

Why is the firewall prone to crack? Is this isolated to the 968?

I don't recall reading about this from the 944 Buyer's Guide when I bought the 944S. Thanks!

 

This is 968 thing - especially if the clutch is stiff. The added strain can crack the firewall.

 

Probably has something to do with the differences in clutch hydraulics, and force the pressure plate is set at.

 

Joe, as I mentioned, my new Sachs clutch has a really soft pedal (but positive engagement, so I don't think it's a bleed issue). It definitely feels like a street clutch, as opposed to a track one. I hope it holds.