spring centered clutch

[90s2Rick]

Has any one put a spring centered clutch in? How do they differ as compared to the rubber donut? What about price? Thanks Rick M.

[Bob's944]

I have a spring centered one in mine, installed last August. It's smooth... and from what I've seen, you can get spring centered ones now for less money than the old rubber ones. Kit's for under $400 i've seen.

[dmac]

I installed the $380 spring centered clutch from Vertex into my 86 944na in July. It seems to work fine. I would not put a rubber center one in after I saw what was left of the rubber on my old one. It disintigrates.

[Flormat]

I'm stumped on this one too. The rubber dries up and breaks apart (as mine has) but the spring is harder on the trans and noisier too. Which is the best choice?

[Scott R]

I did not notice any added noise or vibration when I switched mine out. Actually I think I get a little better response off the spring centered clutch.

[ae1969]

When you switched to the spring centered....are there any pieces to adapt....or just a straight fit...

I have seen kits that supply other pieces that they suggest you should change.?...did you guys just change the pressure plate, disk and throw out bearing.....

I would think....that you should change as many things as possible......Performance products has some kit that comes with a multitude of other pieces.....would you guys recommend switching everything else???


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86' 944
79' 924 (R.I.P)

[dk944s2]

One step that I wouldn't ignore is resurfacing the flywheel...it can make all the difference between smooth clutch take-up and the terrible, pogo-stick judder. Cheap insurance, considering the overall complexity of doing a clutch job. It would suck to have to live with that for the 40,000-mile (50,000? 60,000?) service life of a clutch. By the way, how many miles DO you guys get out of a clutch?
Just my 2 Deutsche Mark...

[Drago]

Originally posted by dk944s2:
One step that I wouldn't ignore is resurfacing the flywheel...it can make all the difference between smooth clutch take-up and the terrible, pogo-stick judder. Cheap insurance, considering the overall complexity of doing a clutch job. It would suck to have to live with that for the 40,000-mile (50,000? 60,000?) service life of a clutch. By the way, how many miles DO you guys get out of a clutch?
Just my 2 Deutsche Mark...

Resurfacing the fly wheel is good advice.

I'd replace anything and everything I could...including the rear main seal. Pelican's big kit seems to be the most comprehensive (minus the seal). Hopefully the price matching will continue.

I have 123K on the original clutch but the PO really babied the car for all but 20K of those miles. With me driving it I'm hoping it lasts until next summer...

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Marc
'86 944 NA

[Bob's944]

complete job usually includes the 2 pilot bearings too

[dmac]

I replaced friction disk, pressure plate, pilot bearing, and actuator shaft needle bearings. No adapters required for the spring clutch. I would not worry about the spring clutch being rough on the tranny - every other car uses springs. I also ended up replacing some exhaust hardware, the clutch slave cylinder, and the clutch flexible line. While the tranny is out you might as well change the axle seals (if leaking, mine were) and change the tranny oil.

Clutch life depends on your driving style... my clutch had a trashed rubber center, but the friction material was as good as new at 97,000 miles.