damper plate

[nomadclimbing]

Hello all,
I have an 86 944 na with an automatic trans. The owner before me removed the engine to put in a v8 but never got around to doing so. So I bought the car for really cheap. It is in mint condition other than the engine being in peices and when he pulled the engine he ripped the rubber damper plate. I got another used damper plate that looks like it is in pretty good shape. But I also bought a complete rebuilt engine from a 83 944 na with the bell housing and clutch assembly atatched from a manual transmission. I have read on a few postings about putting a manual clutch and flywheel in inplace of the rubber damper plate. Since I have both I was wondering if anyone would or could advise in which sytem would be better and how difficult would it be to switch from the rubber damper plate to the clutch. Thanks Mark

[djnolan]

when I inquired about doing this I was told it was doable, but it would make the car whine considerably. I assume it would be because of added stress on the torque tube bearings and might lead to other expensive problems. You might save $500 by doing this but there is risk to the TT and other things. Might be worth it if your damper fails again, but then again the original may have lasted 20 years. I wouldn't put a used damper plate in though because the labor is over half the job. If nothing else is torn up you should get out for around $2k. Do the mainseal whichever route you take. And take it easy on it and it should last a good long while! (I certainly hope mine does)