[ipaqrat]

The clutch in my '96 C4 coupe (@ 95K miles) a very heavy pedal and very short engagement at the top of the pedal. I bought it this way, and budgeted for clutch time. So I'm about to send it to get a new clutch and Dual Mass Fly Wheel. I believe I'll use OEM parts, if I can get them. Any overriding reason to use aftermarket?

Also on the list is the timing chain cover seal (detected in a prior inspection, but not a grevious problem).

While I'm at it, what ELSE should I get replaced, adjusted or inspected. Throw-out Bearing? Release Bearing? Chain tensioner? Plugs/Wires? I am spoiled by how smoothly and precisely my wife's RSX shifts; any recommendations on improving that?

Here are some other things that have happened or that I have observed:

-- The alternator belt burned off one day. Big puffs of black smoke blew in through the dash vents. Scared me so bad, I had the car trailered to the shop - the tow cost more than the belt job. No sign of anything specific that pushed it over the edge. Turns out what I thought was a transmission noise, was actually the belt slipping a little from time to time.

-- After revving up to @ 3000 or so (with the car sitting still in the driveway) I can hear a rattly, puffing sort or noise as the revs return to normal. Also the idle seems a little rough, sometimes enough to rock the body ever so slightly, just a little shudder. In a normal, pedestrian sort of car, I'd say it was a timing adjustment. What about with a Porsche?

-- Is there any way to get the retractable rear spoiler deployment to sound a little less like an old coffee grinder?

Thanks in advance for troubleshooting and brainstorming!