Craig911

After reading many of the LWFW posts on this website I looked into upgrading to a LWFW when I have my rapidly failing clutch replaced. I have an '04 GT3 with 21,000 miles and it is still under a Porsche certified warranty. I drive it about 50:50 on the road and track (AX, DE, TT). I checked with 2 local Porsche dealers and got the following responses:

#1: $3500 for GT3 clutch + $900 for RS LWFW and associated parts. No problem with my Porsche warranty and no expectations that it would be deleterious to the drivetrain.

#2: $4000 for GT3 clutch. They will not install a LWFW because of a Porsche Tech bulletin stating that LWFW should not be installed on 7.GT3s. He told me they are also interpreting that to be the same for 6.GT3 since it is the same clutch and RS 6.GT3s were not produced at the time therefore they were not included in the tech bulletin. They refuse to install the LWFW and would not cover the car under warranty if it was installed by anyone else and the drivetrain failed. They pointed out the possibility of a crankshaft failure with LWFW and said the car was not designed for this flywheel.

Obviously I should go with Dealer #1 if I really want a LWFW, but if something happens later to the drivetrain, or even the engine, are they going to come back and say it's not covered under warranty due to the Tech Bulletin despite what they verbally told me?

Is a LWFW really worth installing due to potential drivetrain failure and lack of warranty coverage? I hear they really make the car feel more lively but is it really going to be much of a performance upgrade for the track?

Also, is this the usual GT3 clutch replacement price? I recently had the clutch on my '03 911 cab daily driver replaced for half that cost!

P.J.S.

I had a lwfw on my past 6-3 from about 7000 miles to over 17000 miles and a significant amount of track miles... Never an issue

Sold car to 007DT and we chat - he has continued on with no issue

I would go with dealer 1 or an independent since the clutch repair is out of pocket and yes it is totally worth it IMHO

AudiOn19s

Your clutch is failing at 21k miles?

Is there a RMS leak causing it to slip?

early_grayce

FYI
If you install a LWFW, you really should also install the RS crank pulley.

maca

no issues at all my my lwfw, and yes, i also have the rs crank pulley. the dealer installed it while they were fixing a rms leak.

and yes, it makes a noticeable difference.

996FLT6

It's a crapshoot. If u worry about warranty in the future I would pass. It is awesome with heal/toe rev matching though. On the street I don't think u would notice much other then chatter at idle. Will u update the clutch/pp to match the lwf? Mike

Craig911

The RS crank pulley was included in both the estimates from the dealers but I was not planning on upgrading to an RS clutch.

There is no RMS leak issue to my knowledge, it's been into the dealer and an independent mechanic for maintenance work and alignment and they have not spotted anything. However, I will have them double check that the clutch is really the problem.

Due to the warranty, I might pass now and then have it done the next time around, along with other mods I'm planning after the warranty is up--and I'm (hopefully) a better driver!

I know there was some report awhile ago in the forum about a standard 996 with a LWFW having a crankshaft failure, but I have never heard of a GT3 crank failing due to that, has anyone else heard of this?

D-Uber Cars

With only 21K miles and in need of clutch?
LWFW on 996 GT3 is a no brainer. The use of factory parts makes this a very reliable upgrade. Did not effect the warranty at local Porsche dealer. Slight clatter at idle (can remedy with exhaust system), quicker engine spool up, easier heel / toe. However, seem to have less engine braking feel (Like riding an old 2 stroke motorcycle.

roberga

What PJ said! Had 60,000 miles on 996GT3 40,000 with LWFW-Zero issues
997 GT3 25,000 with LWFW zero issues. Dealer put them in both cars

FFaust

No comment on Warranty/No Warranty as it seems to be the great unknown (going through an issue myself at the moment), but LWF is deff worth it. Makes it a bit harder to drive slow smoothly due to "blippyness" of the motor, but certainly helps with H n'T during spirited driving.

spare tire

If you track, then it is a must do. If you pay attention to when you shift and what gear you use for a given corner on a given track, then you will smile every time you drive. It has to be worth 1-1 1/2 seconds on a 2 mile track. The horsepower and torque take a good jump from stock if you dyno the change at the wheels. The engine will have the same power, but the car will go faster sooner.

Viperbob1

Your dealers are idiots and you are being screwed. The pressure plates they use will most likely be same one you have. The highest clamping force Sachs PP is not a Porsche part and DOUBT they have any clue if you cant look it up on PET. So what clutch disc are they using? These are all things that you want to know. I've installed 100+ on 996 GT3s, and 30-40 on 7.1 GT3s. Zero failures. One of the best upgrades you can do.

spare tire

Subtle and correct Bob.

Viperbob1

Thanks I pride myself on holding back and sugar coating things in this politically correct age.

TrackDays247.com

It's a must do. Drive one with and w/o and you WILL find the money to do it...