Seeking clutch replacement recommendation
11-02-2001, 09:42 PM
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Seeking clutch replacement recommendation
About to replace the clutch in my 89 S2. Don't want the rubber center version. I drive the car aggressively and do a couple of DE's each year and would like a "performance" type clutch. What are the options for an S2?
I called Paragon today and the guy that I spoke with said that there is a rubber center clutch and a spring center, but not a "high performance" or "club sport" clutch.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I called Paragon today and the guy that I spoke with said that there is a rubber center clutch and a spring center, but not a "high performance" or "club sport" clutch.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
11-05-2001, 12:44 AM
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Regrettably I think the options are somewhat limited compared to the 944 Turbos. I have a '89S2 and had the rubber centered clutch disk go out on me at the Pocono's last month (car has about 80k miles). I was able to limp home albeit with a lot of slack in the drive train.
I searched far and wide and could not find a 944 Turbo Cup Clutch disk compatible w/the S2. It is reportedly a four-spring centered disk only without the additional six-smaller springs as part of the damper. Robust and reliable, especially how the Turbos get suped up. Everyone recommended it, but no luck finding it. Sachs has a "HD" spring centered clutch disk, i.e., they are supposed to have beefed up the design as the springs were not entirely reliable (from hearsay only). Then there is always the rubber centered OEM replacement.
Another alternative is the Centerforce clutch, but I believe they modify a Sachs product to their specifications. Do not know much about their product line other than what they provide on their website, but I do not like buying a modified design.
I can recommend a http://www.huntleyracing.com/chassiswhole.htm Sachs Escort Cup Clutch Kit $750. It is a six-spring only centered clutch disk with increased clamping force over OEM (according to Derek, rated at 350-400 hp at the rear wheel). He claims to have this same clutch installed on his S2, which reportedly has their *yet to be released to the public* supercharger (approx. 50% hp increase). I also had him lighten my flywheel; I did NOT install a lightweight aluminum flywheel (too light in my opinion unless you race).
Just picked up my car from the shop Friday with it installed, and it is sweet. It spools up/down quite a bit quicker but not too fast. Clutch pedal is smoother than before, and seems to require slightly less pedal force (the reduced force may be a function of everything being new compared to worn). Regardless, I am very pleased with it. Too bad the snow tires are going on next month!
Use Mobil 1 synthetic gear box oil, too.
You can e-mail me if you have any specific questions.
Good Luck!
Forrest
1989 944 S2
I searched far and wide and could not find a 944 Turbo Cup Clutch disk compatible w/the S2. It is reportedly a four-spring centered disk only without the additional six-smaller springs as part of the damper. Robust and reliable, especially how the Turbos get suped up. Everyone recommended it, but no luck finding it. Sachs has a "HD" spring centered clutch disk, i.e., they are supposed to have beefed up the design as the springs were not entirely reliable (from hearsay only). Then there is always the rubber centered OEM replacement.
Another alternative is the Centerforce clutch, but I believe they modify a Sachs product to their specifications. Do not know much about their product line other than what they provide on their website, but I do not like buying a modified design.
I can recommend a http://www.huntleyracing.com/chassiswhole.htm Sachs Escort Cup Clutch Kit $750. It is a six-spring only centered clutch disk with increased clamping force over OEM (according to Derek, rated at 350-400 hp at the rear wheel). He claims to have this same clutch installed on his S2, which reportedly has their *yet to be released to the public* supercharger (approx. 50% hp increase). I also had him lighten my flywheel; I did NOT install a lightweight aluminum flywheel (too light in my opinion unless you race).
Just picked up my car from the shop Friday with it installed, and it is sweet. It spools up/down quite a bit quicker but not too fast. Clutch pedal is smoother than before, and seems to require slightly less pedal force (the reduced force may be a function of everything being new compared to worn). Regardless, I am very pleased with it. Too bad the snow tires are going on next month!
Use Mobil 1 synthetic gear box oil, too.
You can e-mail me if you have any specific questions.
Good Luck!
Forrest
1989 944 S2
11-07-2001, 03:57 PM
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i have the sachs spring centered clutch in my 944 NA ... seems to be good. My rubber centered clutch went as well ... not fun. so far my new clutch is fine, except you can feel a bit of a clunkish feeling when you release the gas and the engine rpm goes lower then the trans rpm. other then that, great clutch.
