How light is the 718 manual clutch? - Page 1 - Boxster/Cayman - PistonHeads UK

Considering buying as new as possible base Cayman to run for another 20 years before they switch to crap EV. After the initial warranty expires I would prefer NOT to run the expensive extended warranty. Whilst I do love a PDK one of the reasons for extending the (reasonably priced) warranty and keeping in the (expensive) OPC network is to hedge against expensive component failure of the PDK ; I'd plan to keep and run the car for as long as possible. A manual is probably cheaper and easier to fix (and more reliable?) but how easy is it to drive around town, I do occasionally have the temerity to visit the Capital for which a PDK is effortless. Yes I know I should test drive but always useful to gauge feedback here as well. Otherwise the cars seem quite reliable if you avoid the chrono dynamic engine mounts, but the GPF would be a bit of a concern. Presumably your local 'mechanic' could replace with an empty box once the warranty expires.

A bit firmer than a Golf GTi, less effort required than most BMW's. The biting point does seem to be higher than most, which is the general grumble rather than the effort required. Reliability? The press cars apparently required new clutches at around the 6000 mile mark, obviously they get hammered. I'd expect a clutch to be good for 30-40k miles of fast road use, but maybe the Manual owners can help there. Getting a short shifter for the Manual imo hugely improves the feel of the gearshift, but it is pricy at around £1k using OEM parts. I test drove a manual but eventually went PDK.

Useful info, many thanks. 30-40k for a clutch seems low to me but depends on usage I guess. Wonder if anyone’s ever had a pdk clutch replaced?

I did 103,000 miles in a manual 987.1 Cayman S and when I sold it, it was still on its original clutch. Have done c.20k in 981 and 718 manual cars and the clutch on the 718 is lighter than both the 987 and 981 variants.

Clutch really easy to use along with manual gear change on our 718 GT4 only done 7k so no idea on wear Edit to say clutch lighter than our 991 C2S Edited by Paul_N on Friday 19th April 20:12

I daily my 718 GT4 and had a 370z Nismo before this, the GT4 clutch is slightly lighter than than 370z. It's heavier than my gf's fiesta, but not night and day. I find it fine in traffic/driving slowly/manoeuvring. Its easy to modulate and the gearbox itself is a joy to use. But best to drive both I'd say! The comment above about a short shifter I'm not sure what to say. The GTS has a shifter 10mm shorter than then regular Cayman, and the GT4 is 10mm shorter again. Stubby but great.

Drove my 2002 Boxster 317K miles on its original clutch. Granted it was worn quite a bit at 317K miles -- based on the effort it required to push the clutch pedal down -- and had I kept the car I would have had it in for a new clutch. But it didn't slip or grab or otherwise manifest any problems even at 317K miles. Put 151K miles on my 2003 996 Turbo (bought used with <10K miles on it) and its clutch. Clutch was fine when I sold the car with 161K miles. The only clutch/transmission issue I had with the Boxster was at big miles (~250K) the heretofore smooth clutch became impossible to engage smoothly. And the buttery smooth shifting became crunchy. Long story short I had let the brake hydraulic fluid go too long between brake fluid flush/bleeds. Porsche called for this every 2 years and I had this done on schedule until I lost track of time dealing with ailing parents. Service advisor noted the car was past due for this service and I had the brake fluid flush/bled. Oh, the clutch hydraulic system shared fluid with the brake hydraulic system. The fluid flush/bleed worked a miracle. Clutch grab was gone. Transmission shifting became buttery smooth again. Will add the brakes felt ok before and after the fluid service. But clearly with the way the clutch was behaving the fluid was past its change by date. As for use in traffic almost all of the 16 years I owned the Boxster and all of the 8 years I owned the Turbo was when I lived in northern CA and commuted 60 miles a day for work. I never felt having a manual transmission was a burden. In fact I felt the manual transmission insulated me from the risks associated with an automatic. Transmission fluid service for my Boxster required 0.2 hour labor and around $100 for fluid (~$50/liter for two liters of fluid). The Turbo required a bit more labor and more fluid but was still the least expensive service it required.

Great info. Thank you. Personally I’d certainly consider a manual. That said. Anyone had a pdk clutch changed? If so at what mileage?

I’m had the flywheel on my PDK car changed. Can’t remember the mileage, maybe 60k? No symptoms but grease from the centre bearing was splashed on the inside of the bell house.

sturge7878 said: Great info. Thank you. Personally I’d certainly consider a manual. That said. Anyone had a pdk clutch changed? If so at what mileage? As you most likely know, both the clutches are inside the gearbox itself, and unlike conventional manual transmissions, they’re “wet” clutches, ie they run in the oil within the transmission. Historically Porsche haven’t provided any replacement spares/internal components, nor indeed any service manuals for outlining the procedures to strip, repair and rebuild the PDK transmissions. If there’s a fault with the transmission, their normal modus operandi is to supply an exchange transmission. All of which is a long way of saying, the chances of finding someone on here who’s had a PDK clutch changed, is slim !! That’s not to say you won’t find someone, but it’s unlikely. Fortunately some enterprising individuals ie Mike at Sports and Classic “oop Norf” have now started repairing the PDK transmissions, so rather than having to pay for an exchange ‘box, owners will be able to have them fixed.