Exploding Clutch (another annoying semi-noob question)
 

OK, back again. As you may know, I've recently decided that at 911 is probably in my future. Might be soon (hope), might be a couple years, but almost definitely going to happen. I'm looking specifically at the 3.0 and 3.2 years (I've now heard them called "The Impact Bumper" years). But generally I'm looking from around 1980-1989.

One thing I've found is that, annoyingly, many of these cars at dealers still have the original exploding clutch! Since my only real history with these cars is through exposure at autocross events, I was under the impression that these rubber clutches were basically ripped out of these cars and replaced as soon as humanly possible. But, it looks like there is at least a chance I'll eventually end up with a car with an exploding clutch.

Since I intend this car to be my daily driver, I was wondering this: When this clutch goes, it will go like other clutches? I've had that happen in the past a few times, and I'm one of those guys who gets to know his cars pretty intimately. I've always been able to nurse the cars home by putting them in gear, starting them up, and then gently shifting up through the gears at the proper point. Would I be able to do this in a 911 with an exploded clutch or am I dead in the water? I'm going to want to drive this car long distances. Some extra time to "limp" home is not big deal, but dead-on-the-side-of-the-road-in-the-middle-of-nowhere would be a problem.

Are these exploding clutches not as horrible as I've always heard?

From what I understand it's a "dead on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere" thing. But don't let that hold you back. Get AAA or some collector car insurance that has tow service, and go drive the crap out of your car!

Really, the only rough thing about replacing the exploding clutch is engine removal/replacement. If you take it to a shop, you're looking at half a day of labor. As far as parts all you need are a new clutch disc, maybe a TO bearing and pilot bearing, and flywheel resurface. Less than $500 of parts.

The rubber hubs were put into production in the 70s and intermittently through 80/83. The G50 cars had rubber hubs, brother has 89 and he has it and friend has 88 and he has rubber. The dealer replaced with rubber on the 89.
Most of the clutches have been changed out in the 20 or more years as by that time there is reasons to change the clutch and service while you are there.
I just changed out a 930 with a busted rubber hub but the broken hub will go against metal to metal and be able to get you home but its not pretty inside the pressure plate.
I wouldnt let the worry of rubber hub keep me out of the 911
Bruce

Mine exploded several hours after a high speed run. Drove it nearly a 800 miles after it came apart. So most likely will not leave you stranded. 88,000 miles on the disc. A picture of what it looks like after apart.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1255137392.jpg

Replaced with a spring centered clutch. Parts for a G50 are well more than $500

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1255137646.jpg