bmweater

Hello Everyone!
This is my first post, and I have a few questions....
I have a 1998 C4s that has been in storage for over 3.5 years, and never turned on. Before I put the vehicle in storage it needed a new clutch(slips after 5.1k rpm at 75% throttle), and the brakes seemed stiff so I assume it would need to have the fluid flushed. So my question is does anyone recommend a good spot for repairs in the southern california area, and how much do you estimate it to be? I dont mind flat-beding it far away.

98 C4s
30k miles
Needs clutch
All Fluids replaced/flushed
Spark Plugs Replaced
Air Filter
All 3 hoses


thanks for the help!!

goofballdeluxe

First off, welcome to Rennlist. This forum is a great resource. Probably the best money you could spend is joining and becoming a member.

A new clutch is expensive to be sure, but many upgrade the dual-mass flywheel with a lightweight flywheel and an RS clutch when the original clutch starts to slip. The benefit is slightly less weight and noticeably better throttle response throughout the range. The parts are about $1500-ish, and depending where you do the work, you're looking at another $1200-$1700 or so in labor. It is a great upgrade for your C4S.

There are many great places to take your shop. TRE, Callas and others. The problem with a few of these places in my opinion is that you're paying for the "label" so to speak. They have a reputation for good work and charge through the nose as a result.

I take my car to a little known air-cooled Porsche specialty shop in West Los Angeles called "200 N. Motorworks". The guys over there are a few former Porsche trained factory boys who opened their own shop many years ago. I've brought my C4S over there many times over the years and they always do a good job and get it right the first time, and the prices are very competitive. (310)558-3394 ask for Mark. Tell 'em Philip with the silver 1996 C4S recommended you. Not affiliated with the shop, just a satisfied customer.

Good luck, and once again, welcome to Rennlist!

FLYT993

goofballdeluxe is dead-on.

bmweater

Goofball: Thank you so much! I had been reading on the forum and I called TRE and Ottos, they both quoted me $4k for clutch including flywheel and about 1.2k for the major which includes spark plugs, filters, fluids, and hoses.....that seemed very high, so I am going to call the place up immediately.

In regards to the lightweight flywheel and RS clutch, I was thinking about it, but i wasn't sure how this would affect my daily driving. Would I notice it?

FLYT993

bmweater: if you use gbd's shop, let us know the results. i've got 50k on my existing clutch so i'll be due to replace mine in another 5, 10, or 15k.

bmweater

Sounds good FLYT993! Lets hope they keep the price down! hahah

goofballdeluxe

Oh you'd notice it alright! In a good way! It feels like the car just gained 30-40 horsepower! As I said before, I highly recommend this upgrade. Further, the LWF is sturdier than the original flywheel and should last longer. My C4S is my daily driver and there is no downside. Maybe others will chime in with their 2 cents worth.

However, there is one element you should know about the LWF/RS clutch upgrade, which is there can be some minor gear lash noise from the LWF. Personally, it is so minor and slight that it doesn't bother me, but you should know going in you will probably hear some slight mechanical noise with this upgrade. This noise is normal, and can be reduced by making sure you use all new parts when you do the upgrade. You're more than welcome to drive over to my place and hear for yourself what it sounds like, if it's a concern.

I strongly suggest if you go for this upgrade, that you source your LWF/RS clutch from a Rennlist sponsor. I bought mine from Viper Bob at Vortex Motorsports. He's not only a site sponsor, but a terrific help and provides great prices and outstanding service. Again, no affiliation, just a satisfied customer.

As long as I'm spending your money for you, you might wanna know that the weakest link in your car is probably your suspension, if you are running on original shocks. Your original shocks are most likely shot and the best upgrade you could do to your car at this point is install a nice new Bilstien suspension. Viper Bob also sells PSS-10s; ask me how I know! LOL!

Finally, I suggest you buy all your major parts that are expensive and bring them to the shop. Sunset out of Oregon has great prices for things like spark plug wires etc.

Best of luck getting your C4S back in shape. You'll love it even more after you get it sorted!

bmweater

Phillip:
Just spoke with mark and I am set to bring the car in after the 1st! thank you! His quote with me bringing the clutch in was $2k. So much more affordable, I also got a quote for 1k to install the PSS-10s, with me bringing in the parts....does that seem reasonable?

goofballdeluxe

Mark is a great mechanic. You're in good hands.

Personally, I suggest you give a call to Darrin at West End Alignment (310)808-9233 for the PSS-10s install. Nothing against Mark installing the PSS-10s, but you're gonna need an alignment after the suspension installation, and Darrin is the best in the entire city; Google West End Alignment in Gardena if you want and read the reviews on this guy, and you'll see how stellar his reputation is; you may have a 3-week wait to see him as he is a one-man shop and is very busy, so call him sooner rather than later if you're interested. I would have him do the PSS-10 install and alignment, only because he's a specialist and he may be less expensive to boot. Once again, I have no afflilation, just very happy with Darrin and his work over the years.

Also, if you're upgrading to PSS-10s are you also upgrading your sway bars? I'd think that'd be a good idea and not much more money, relatively speaking...

bmweater

Another Question......

I am not sure I read this right....but I was going through some of the forums and I noticed some where that when you upgrade to the Light Weight Fly Wheel, you need to do something to your ECU to compensate for the lower idle? Is this correct? If so, is it a pain?

whidbey

Only on the 95 OBD-1 cars, you should not have any problems.

bmweater

Awesome thats what I wanted to hear! I love basic bolt ons!! I have some qoutes for the R/S kit with flywheel,clutch, berrings and so forth...$1,550 and OEM replacement staying stock....$1450-1500. I think I may take the plunge!!

goofballdeluxe

What Whidbey said is correct. There is some stalling issues associated with the 1995 cars since they are OBD I, but nothing to worry about on 1996-1998 cars like ours. I'd make sure that when you do your major service they clean the ISV; that should take care of any idling issues.

CP

If you go PSS9s, you will need an alignment and corner balance. Best is a one-stop shop who has extensive experience installing PSS9s, align and corner-balance a 993. If you are doing PSS9s, I'd suggest upgraing the sways (TRGs are great) as it does make a HUGE diifference.

Ahhhh...the slippery slope again.

Have a great holiday season.

CP

goofballdeluxe

Pong, do they even sell PSS-9s anymore? For the same price, I think one is better off with the PSS-10s, agreed? Totally agree on the TRG sways. I love mine.