New to the 914: Clutch Feel

[jclanin]

Hi all,

I'm currently in the market for a 914. I've driven a few '75 2.0 cars (although it's been quite a while) and a '74 1.8 just yesterday.

The '74 is a very well sorted car with a recent engine rebuild and a new clutch (reputable shop).

Engine sounds great and pulls strong (for a 914 1.8. My question is about the clutch feel. The clutch is very light compared to my '87 911 3.2 which is not surprising. But starting off in 1st is a bit odd. It just seems like there's not much 'bite' to the clutch engagement point thus I feel like have have to keep the gas pedal down a good bit to get going. All other shifts at speed seem fine.

I realize there could be MANY factors to this 'feel', but I'm really just here to find out if that 1st gear / clutch engagement is normal in these cars. I just don't have enough experience to tell.

I'll post many more details about the car if I go further with the sale.

thanks!

Jim Clanin

[Fly Mach .86]

If you are serious about a 914, there are lots of books that might help you. A "Haynes" manual might be a good place to start. Clutch adjustment and operation is covered along with a lot of other help. This web site is a HUGE source of information as well.

[Dmitry at Pelican Parts]

Originally Posted by jclanin

Hi all,

I'm currently in the market for a 914. I've driven a few '75 2.0 cars (although it's been quite a while) and a '74 1.8 just yesterday.

The '74 is a very well sorted car with a recent engine rebuild and a new clutch (reputable shop).

Engine sounds great and pulls strong (for a 914 1.8. My question is about the clutch feel. The clutch is very light compared to my '87 911 3.2 which is not surprising. But starting off in 1st is a bit odd. It just seems like there's not much 'bite' to the clutch engagement point thus I feel like have have to keep the gas pedal down a good bit to get going. All other shifts at speed seem fine.

I realize there could be MANY factors to this 'feel', but I'm really just here to find out if that 1st gear / clutch engagement is normal in these cars. I just don't have enough experience to tell.

I'll post many more details about the car if I go further with the sale.

thanks!

Jim Clanin

Hi Jim - I understand what you're asking, but not quite sure how to respond. The 914 clutch is definitely lighter than your 3.2 but it shouldn't feel like nothing is there. I would recommend sending Dave at Pelican Parts a PM - he's extremely well versed in 914s and will be able to give you all the info you'll need.

[John Rogers]

The shop that took care of my 914s (a four and a six) adjusted the clutch so it disengaged/engaged at 50% of the pedal travel. In both cases the pressure to operate the pedal was very light compared to other cars I have owned. We made sure the bushings in the cluster were like new and used Teflon lined cables covered with "fire hose", that red stuff that keeps heat away from whatever is inside and made sure there were no sharp bends.

[75-914]

I have clutch wound up quite tight in my ‘75 914, as it seems to help engage third and fourth gear is better, but is very tight in first. I have it set up much looser in my ‘73 914… And it plays quite a bit in low gear. But both cars shift well, and I have a good understanding of my clutch play because I adjust cables often. Frankly, both cars could probably use a new clutch… Which is not a project to be scared of on a 914.


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[racer]

What is sounds like to me is a "soft" engagement of clutch feel. It is possible the clutch is worn (you don't mention mileage or records of recent replacement). That said, compared to your 911, it is a bit softer to begin with.

Keep driving more samples to get a feel if its "just you" or if that one car was simply a bad example. I find it very hard to describe a "feel" situation.

[Charles Freeborn]

I was also surprised at how light the clutch is on my first drive compared to my 911. My theory is the pulley acts as a block and tackle type effect.