clutch questions

I have a new-to-me 99 C2 cabriolet, 28k miles, Porsche certified car. I've owned various 911s for 14 years, but this is my first 996. The clutch is giving me some problems; I'm having some difficulty getting the car to move off smoothly in 1st gear without giving it more gas than normal and sort of feathering the pedal to get moving. This seems to be even more evident in stop and go traffic, which is common here in Boston. I've even stalled the car a couple of times; it reminds me of a problem I used to have in a 1995 BMW 325ic in which the clutch would chatter when it was heavily used (stop and go traffic). I came straight out of a 1995 Carrera 4 into this car, so it's not as if Porsche clutches are new to me. I'm curious as to whether the clutch is adjustable (I'm assuming not, as it's hydraulic) or if this is a sign that the clutch is worn and if I can take that up under the certified warranty, seeing as I've only put about 800 miles on the car. The clutch does not slip under load, and the car pulls very strongly in every gear. It's an early-build 99, if that makes a difference (amber taillights). Thoughts? Vic 99 C2 cab

I noticed the same thing in the 4 cars I test drove before I ordered my car. I actually stalled it the first time I pulled one out of the lot taking it for a test drive. I just assumed that the crankshaft/flywheel was much lighter than the one in my old M3. This got me pretty excited because I realized it would be that much more responsive to throttle input. This should make double clutching when downshifting quicker than it was in the BMW. (This is at the moment pretty theoretical as my car doesn't come off the boat until this Saturday. Can you tell I am counting the days?)

I have the same problem. Just drive it on weekends.

vjd3: I came from Boxster into 00 996 Cab and did not notice an issue. I have about 25K miles. If you're in downtown Boston I am happy to let you try mine so you can see if there's a difference.

Thanks, stratpa ... I may take you up on that offer :-) Vic 99 C2 cab

I did stall my car a few times when new. It seemed to just shut off if I didn't feather it right. It just took some getting used to. Now I hardly ever stall it. Like everyone says, keep practicing. I grew up in Canton, Ma. by the way and went to UMass in the city. What part of B are you in?

When the car is new the clutch will bite more agressivly and stalling can can be more of an issue, at least thats how it was for me.

I work at the Globe and live on the South Shore (Hanover). I took the car by the dealership to pick up the hard top tonight. The salesman told me he finds in a 996 or a Boxster, it works better to "blip" the throttle to about 2000-2500 and release the clutch quickly as opposed to feathering it. I'll give that a try. But I wonder if the previous owner just wore it out in the 28k miles he had the car. Never had a problem in the other eight 911s I've owned ;-) Vic 99 C2 cab

i have the exact same problem--i stalled it about 4-6 times the first week i had it (usually parking in a busy area where the damage to ego was most severe)...

maybe i'm an advanced clutch user or something, but i've only stalled my 996 less than 6 times in the 31K miles i've driven it. i normally don't push the rpm over 1000 before fulling letting out the clutch (takes about 2 seconds). even on steep hills i normally don't go over 2000 rpm. am i the exception?

vic, Also have a '99 C4 Cab. I've noticed the clutch requires better "feel" to be smooth than I had expected. It sounds like this is just the nature of this model instead of a mechanical problem. If you find otherwise, please post so I can have mine looked at as well. Regards, Mitch