RMS Opinions needed.

In our area the average cost to get the RMS replaced is about $1300, with the most recommended indy charging $1500. Our local Porsche dealer (HBL Porsche of Tysons Corner) dealer can replace it for $2000. Prices include parts. I have read several threads on rennlist and renntech and it seems like the worst case scenario is that oil gets to the clutch causing slippage. If that were to happen, I'd have to replace the clutch. It is my understanding that the effort involved to replace the RMS is about the same as replacing the clutch. Most people replace the RMS when it is time to replace the clutch so it can be knocked out all at once. My fear is that I pay $1500 to have this replaced with the possibility that it might fail again, and then have to pay another $1500 when it is time to replace the clutch. The car only has 20k miles on it now, so it will be some time before the clutch goes. Would I be foolish to deal with the annoyance of a minor oil leak until the clutch is due to be replaced, and risk oil getting into the clutch? I could save $1500, and if the worst case scenario were to occur...I'd still only be paying once. I am debating on whether or not to replace the RMS now, or to invest in a set of PSS9s instead. Your opinions are greatly appreciated. Thanks. Vince

i would replace the RMS now... clutches last a lot longer than 20K or 60K miles...

It would be hard for the oil to actually get to the clutch face itself to cause slippage. The amount of oil is too ittle and it's on the wrong side of the clutch. I drove the car with an RMS leak through several DE's over a span of one year with no problems, other than the embarasment of having to put kitty litter in my garage spot at the track. The latest RMS fix seems to work. I'ts been through 2 DE's and several thopusand miles, and, fingers crossed, no leak. I see no harm in waiting before replacing the RMS to time it with other repairs.

I was recently talking to the parts guy at my local Porsche dealership, and convo went to RMS, he said that the new 997 fix is suppose to be the "final solution" (No **** affiliation). He also said it is not an emergency to fix immediately in "most" cases, but if you do have one it is very important to keep a vigilant watch on oil levels, he recommended with every gas fillup. He said most people get a new clutch at same time because the customer is basically paying parts only. A good deal at a dealership. Anyway, thats what i heard, and I do not have an RMS issue at this time so he was not trying to influence me in any way. He said that dealership tends to do a couple every week or so and that includes brand new 997's. So apparently this RMS is not some random issue. And FYI I think he said the new RMS seal only costs around 12-15 dollars. It is just a little green plastic outside with a black rubber gasket inside. I saw it and it looked rather unassuming.

I have a $3400 bill (clutch/flywheel/labor) from a few years ago that says otherwise. There is nothing to stop oil traveling from the input shaft to the clutch disc. The amount of leakage will vary pretty dramatically from engine-to-engine so don't let it go unfixed for too long. I had an occasional drop on the ground so I waited until winter, around 6 months time...

That is the only good news if the rest of the car proves to be O.K. and it is fixed right away. Which a second owner will never know so if it's recent factor in the clutch as well into the negotiated price.

Thanks for the feedback. I am still undecided. Seems like there is a good argument on both sides.

I am amazed at how east coast Porsche Dealers/ Indy mechanics get away in over-charging for an RMS/IMS replacement. This task is essentially a 4 hour job, with or without changing out clutch/pressure plate/flywheel. Even at $150/hr labor, this is only a $800 task (not including clutch parts, add $400 for those parts). How in the world can anyone justify paying so much for so little?

Manhattan Motor Cars charges $400 for an oil change.

Is that because you are stuck on an island?