Worth of Genuine Porsche parts

[Kaliv]

I'm looking to replace my clutch. Our host offers two items, a clutch kits from Sachs (OEM supplier) for about $750, and then genuine Porsche clutch kits for double at $1500.

My first question...are they made by the same people and just stamped with different names? If they are manufactured by different people, is there a quality difference?

If you don't have experience with the clutch kits, can you relate other items that are OEM supplier vs genuine Porsche and explain the value of paying more?

[Jonny042]

There MAY be times when buying a genuine part is worthwhile, but I wouldn't say that would be one of them. 99.9% chance that the "Genuine" part is identical in every way.

When buying trim parts, etc. it might be the only way to guarantee a perfect fit but it's not 100%. Check the return policy on any genuine part you buy....

[GH85Carrera]

For a clutch, it does not make much sense to pay that Porsche tax. And if you are doing a clutch, get the full "kit" and all the "while you are in there" parts like the throw out bearing and the pilot bushing and the rest. Do it all and be done right, new omega springs and the rest.

[skinnerd]

I agree....sometimes factory Porsche parts are the "only" way to go.

With a clutch; not so much.
Lots of quality aftermarket parts out there for Porsches.

[Kaliv]

Thanks for all the advice.

[Kaliv]

Looking for a bit more advice on "all the extras".

So I'm looking at the Sachs Clutch Kit. I was considering the SPEC Stage 1 but I can't gauge if it's worth it for a "daily driver". Anyway, I see the Sachs (throwout) release bearing and pilot bearing. Going to order the clutch alignment tool as advice from Youtube. Besides that, it looks like it recommended to replace the flywheel ring gear bolts, the crankshaft to flywheel bolts and put on a new crankshaft seal. Am I missing anything else important while I'm in there?

I have no idea what "new omega springs" are. Do you have a part number for that?

I keep reading contradictory information about the flywheel. Some people say resurface, others say buy new, while I seen a few people say just wipe it down. With a G50, is there anyway I can tell what needs to be done without looking at it? Car has 90K on it and I've never tracked it.

Finally, is this going to require a full engine drop or do most people just take out the transmission? Most of the videos I've watched already have the engine out for other work, so I'm not getting a feel for what to do if you just want to replace the clutch.

[shadowjack1]

Much easier to remove engine with trans then try to remove the trans alone. Also ask about the tube on the trans side. It needs to be changed as well (on the 88 anyway). The tube in place will not fit the TOB.
As far as flywheel, its a part of the system and should be changed as well. I would also change the ring gear and the flywheel bolts.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Quality for Porsche parts has declined in the last few years. I get new parts in all the time that need to be restored from 964/993 fan housings to virtually anything zinc plated. Metal is thinner on new spring plate covers. Things like that off the top of my head.

For a clutch, Sachs is sort of the standard I think for replacement.

[HaroldMHedge]

From Flywheel Bolts, Replace or Not

Originally Posted by maxnine11

a TSB from 25 years ago says its OK to reuse:

EDIT: note- this TSB refers to 1978 and later !!!!

[Cdnone1]

First if you have a G50 you will not have an Omega Spring.
Are you doing the work yourself? If you are then I would not recommend changing everything just because everyone says to. If you are paying for labor then it is smart to have everything swapped out while the motor is out of the car as labor will be a large part of your cost and certainly more expensive than the parts if you have to do it twice.
If you are doing it yourself inspect each part as you go. The flywheel can be measured and resurfaced in some cases. There is as much of a debate on reusing flywheel bolts as what type of oil is best. The rear main seal is a good idea to replace but if it is not leaking I would leave it (depending on age/mileage etc). It's going to leak eventually but lots of shade tree mechanics have replaced a good seal only to have the new one they installed leak.
If you are doing it yourself, take your time, take lots of pictures and people on the board will help you through it.
Good luck

[Kaliv]

Yes, I'm planning to do the work myself. After getting a quote on labor, I thought I would rather use that money on more upgrades that I keep putting off.

[mo-mon]

I just finished doing this job last week & I agree w/ Cdnone1. I bought the whole kit & realized upon inspecting that some original parts were in perfect shape & could be re-used.