Help choosing a clutch

Damned RMS is going to be done. So will have the clutch changed at the same time since. I don't track my car. Just street use. I have had the same clutch since new. Now 27k miles....and it's still going good. So, should I go with the Factory stock clutch or should I choose something better. For me, longevity is more important than lightness. Suggestions and who's the cheapest?

Well I have done extensive research on this. I bought and have both a ligtened flywheel and sachs oem clutch that I was going to put in my car before my accident - My car is most likely going to be totaled out so I don't know what I am going to get next maybe another P car dunno. In any event the fvd/ sachs power clutch is baloney I have spoken with people at centerforce as well as a tuner that is protyping a unit for the 996 for them. In any event, when the power clutch which is what the fvd one is as far as I know, was measured - both the pressure plate as well as clutch disc friction resulted in less than a 5% increase!!!!! What a waste of money for the added cost. A lightened flywheel is a great investment I am told by everyone as it is basically free hp. I read an article that translate the weight loss of the new 13lb flywheel akin to basically 23+ hp increase because of inertia loss. So for the clutch get a stock one. There is nothing else that is worthwhile for the money. I can tell you where I got mine for super cheap as well as my flywheel if you like - no affiliation with each but I did enjoy the candor of the guy who does the clutch work for centerforce.-

Sean, Thanks much for you help on this. That is clear enough info for me to go with the stock clutch. I think youv;e convinced me on the light flywheel too. Sooooo sorry to hear about your accident. Last I read, you had some injuries but not life threatening. Are you OK now? Also, I guess cops got the girl. I hope you take her for damages, loss of earnings, new car, etc in court? I cannot imagine how p*ssed off you must be with your car totaled and all. But hey look on the bright side. Your alive and you now get the chance to choose a new car....Pcar or other. Cheers, Berny

yeah well it seems that the hit and run issue turns out to be her "mistake" and that was how it was ruled and evidenced by her filing the accident with her insurance the next day to absolve her of non compliance with the 10 day period etc. I started physical therapy the other day and am feeling much better, especially since I am not taking any damn pain killers anymore. I am sick of feeling loopy. It seems that my car will be covered by the insurance lady and that a rental car will "soon" be provided for me. I have been told by everyone that I should get something equivalent - ala another porsche for the rental for 30 days, so we'll see how that works out. I am already working with an attorney and contemplating a lawsuit for the medical etc. I am not a judicious person but the entire incident really proturbs me especially the other driver's demeanor both immediately after and currently. In any event check your pm I just sent you the info on all etc. Feel free to email me directly if you want to talk further. [email removed] . Thanks for your concern. Sean

Something else to consider regarding a lighter flywheel. While the light weight will allow the engine to rev quicker, it will also allow the engine to drop in RPM quicker between shifts... my understanding at least.

The lighter flywheel will also take more revs to get he car off the line.

Loren, is that a good a or a bad thing? I mean it wou;d seem to me if you have to rev higher to get moving, you would wear the clutch out faster.

Don't bother. The flywheel has got its weight (or moment of inertia, to be precise) for a reason, it wasn't just that they were trying to dispose of some extra steel. A lighter flywheel makes the engine more likely to stall when driving off, the idle becomes more lumpy and you get more vibrations. Also, a lighter flywhell has no significant effect on the car's power output. However, it does make the engine somewhat more responsive and helps acceleration. Cheers, Uwe

OK. so if I get this right, since I only use my car for street, I am better just going with the stock clutch and flywheel?

Go with the genuine Porsche parts, even if it costs a little more. You won't regret it.

Yes, you are. Incidentally, if driven properly, 27k is not a lot for a 996 clutch. I'd check against a new clutch how much it is actually worn and if replacement is worthwile. As you don't have to pay for the labour now, I'd replace it if it has less than 50% left. A 996 clutch can easily last 100k on public roads. Mine had about 50% left at 40k. Cheers, Uwe

Thanks guys.

My clutch has 60K miles on it (public road use only).

This is making me feel a bit better. All I have to do now is pray that Porsche UK agree to do my RMS under warranty.....

if your having rms problems your going to be having clutch problems because of the oil that is eventually going to seep into there so hopefully they will fix it right

My clutch is fine at the moment. The RMS leak is incredibly slight too. I just noticed 2 tiny drops of oil on the garage floor a few weeks back. None since then. I took the car in to have it checked and the dealer said yep RMS! But the ammount of oil leaking is miniscule. So maybe I just caught it happening. Who knows though, the clutch may be swimming in oil within the bellhousing (not likely as the clutch isn't slipping). If there is oil on the clutch I won't mess about. I will change it. Cheers