Automatic 944

[djnolan]

I have a quick question. The flex plate damper has gone bad on my 85.5 944 automatic. I really like these cars so I am debating what my options are.

1. I think it needs overdrive due to the high revs at highway speed. Does anyone know how difficult it would be to convert to a tiptronic transaxel from a 968 and is there a procedure available. I can get the whloe setup (trans/diff/tube/shifter) for around $2k plus labor but I hear there may be electronic conversions also needed.

2. There was a recent post about replacing the automatic flexplate/flywheel with a clutch plate/flywheel from a manual car to save most of the $1000 cost of the part. Is this a good long term solution?

3. Or make the standard repair for about $2k parts/labor.

Thanks-

[mgdotcom]

I did the clutch thing. I havent had it on the road much I can tell you it all went together nicely and runs and drives LOL !

[djnolan]

Do you have any pictures or details of what is involved?

[mgdotcom]

Sorry no pics I just removed the flywheel and disc and replaced it all with the clutch assy and flywheel I also used a bellhouseing from a standerd so if I ever want to convert to a 5 speen I am half way there! LMK if you need any mor info.

Originally Posted by djnolan

Do you have any pictures or details of what is involved?

[djnolan]

If I do this to save $6-700 on parts will it cause vibration that will lead to a premature rear seal or torque tube failure? Or on a 22 year old car with 130k miles, are these things going to go anyway?

Another question, with the torque tube out when replacing the flex damper, can the rear mainseal be replaced as a preventitive measure or does the engine need to be taken out for this?

What else should be done when doing the flexplate?

Thanks-

[onZedge]

Originally Posted by djnolan

...can the rear mainseal be replaced as a preventitive measure...

Yes. It doesn't make sense not to do it considering the labor required to get to it.

Originally Posted by djnolan

...does the engine need to be taken out for this?...

No.

[carsontc]

Originally Posted by djnolan

Does anyone know how difficult it would be to convert to a tiptronic transaxel from a 968 and is there a procedure available.

looking at the 968 wiring diagram, the 'tip' uses a computer that (among many other things) gets speed info by connecting to the anti-lock brake system's wheel sensor input

[milnersXcoupe]

Is this a stand alone computer - harness ?



thanks in advance !

[Razorback1980]

The dampner plate should run around 700 new and you should only have to replace it once in the cars life. Not sure replacing it with all the other parts makes any sense unless you have all those parts already. If you are trying to go cheaper, then look around, I'm sure you can find the dampner used somewhere for much less...let me know if you need help searching. I agree with OnZedge...you are there replace the rear main seal as it requires almost no extra work or cost so that completely makes sense. IIRC, the seal slides out backward without removal of any parts and you put it back in the same way.

[carsontc]

Originally Posted by milnersXcoupe

Is this a stand alone computer - harness ?

the tiptronic has a separate computer and harness...yes

[michelvaradero]

i have the same problem with my car and let me tell you something the damper plate is really expensive i was going to chance the automatic flywheel damper plate for a manual flywheel clutch but the only problem with it is that when the transmission change the gear you will hear the bun ;cause it doesn't have the rubber plate thanks to god could fine used for 250 and today i will put it on it is not a easy work i have half from my car down on the floor good look

Originally Posted by djnolan

I have a quick question. The flex plate damper has gone bad on my 85.5 944 automatic. I really like these cars so I am debating what my options are.

1. I think it needs overdrive due to the high revs at highway speed. Does anyone know how difficult it would be to convert to a tiptronic transaxel from a 968 and is there a procedure available. I can get the whloe setup (trans/diff/tube/shifter) for around $2k plus labor but I hear there may be electronic conversions also needed.

2. There was a recent post about replacing the automatic flexplate/flywheel with a clutch plate/flywheel from a manual car to save most of the $1000 cost of the part. Is this a good long term solution?

3. Or make the standard repair for about $2k parts/labor.

Thanks-

[Dark Skies]

Originally Posted by djnolan

...There was a recent post about replacing the automatic flexplate/flywheel with a clutch plate/flywheel from a manual car to save most of the $1000 cost of the part. Is this a good long term solution?

It's going for $785 on ebay on a one day sale:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsche-944-924-968-Flywheel-Crankshaft-Damper-Plate_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em122QQcate goryZ33732QQihZ019QQitemZ290192644967QQrdZ1QQsspag enameZWD2V