997S 20K cluthc is toast. What I replace with OEM?

[severan]

Guys,

This morning while doing a hard start off a red light my clutch went... Basically the pedal is now half as hard to press and the biting point is a inch higher.

I have some slippage in high gear too.

I just though I ask first:

-My brake fluid was flushed about a month ago, any chance some air in the clutch fluid line would produce the above ?

Since I am pretty sure the clutch is toast, what should I get replaced? The entire clutch assembly? just the pressure plate?

Given that I seem to eat quite some clutch with my driving style, should I go with an OEM kit or something else? I don't mind jerky / not smooth, if it means less wear & better performance.

Also I heard one should look at the IMS bearing while changing the clutch, anybody can explain a bit more?

Finally how much should I expect this to cost ?

thanks!

Sev

[phillipj]

Man .. You should be nicer to your car! :D P cars were never to designed to be drag cars.. Clutch gone at 20k miles? :o

Anyway sorry about that rant.. <_<

Yes replace the TO bearing, pilot bearing, pressure plate and clutch disk. You can buy the whole Sachs OEM kit online for cheap. Here is a link for an example of price online.. http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/2006/pors...clutch_kit.html

You didn't mention what year your car was.... Porsche strenthened the IMS in the 06 through 08 models. The 05's were more problematic...

In my opinion stay with OEM clutch and flywheel. I have had an aftermarket clutch and lightweight flywheel and it's not worth it.

Price from an indie for a clutch (with parts) will run you $1200-$1500.

After the repair try to limit the burnouts and you should get at least 40k out of your clutch.

Good luck

Edited November 30, 2009 by phillipj

[severan]

My car is a MY 2005 . Is there a specific Porsche recommended maintenance for the IMS upgrade I can point my independent mechanic to ?

I have the car for a year and 5K miles. So I probably was not the only guy responsible here :D

thanks for the advice to stay with OEM parts.

Severan

[phillipj]

You should give a call to LN Engineering and talk to them about their IMS upgrade for your car. I doubt that Porsche would admit that there is anything wrong with their IMS design....... Do you have a warranty on the car? With that low of mileage you might want to consider getting an extended warranty (if you don't have one.)

Sorry If I was hard on you about the clutch.... B)

Good luck and welcome!

Edited November 30, 2009 by phillipj