I read a post from someone before about not doing burnouts in a 944 because you will tear up the rubber plate inside the stock clutch. Well I like burnouts, plus the clutch needs replaced anyway, so I was wondering about performance clutches. Do they also have a rubber piece in them too, or are they built without them? Will I need any special tools to replace the clutch? I know the basics replacing them, but I don't want to get into it and find any suprises.

 

Well, beyond that I hear damage to the transaxle is probably more of a problem.

 

These cars aren't drag racers, they are road racers, meant to hit curves etc... I had my clutch rubber deteriorate on me and I replaced it with a spring resistance one, where the springs do the job of the rubber. Plus I don't think they make the rubber ones any more. You will need a special clutch alignment tool, and it is simple but only after spending hours being frustrated because it's your first time working on that car. If it's the rubber one i would replace it no matter what teh condition, because I got stuck 15 miles from home when it gave up on me, and I manged to drive home starting from 2nd gear every time Also, specify which 944 you have.

PS: As jefm said, transaxle will feel the damage as well. Hope you have a budget.

 

The rubber center clutch is no longer available (or if it is, it is 20 year old old stock that has been laying around). Everything now is spring centered. Also, like said above, it isn't the clutch that goes, it is the ring and pinion in the transmission which will blow apart, and this will happen. I guess some just have to experience it to know burnouts and clutch drops are not a good idea. Clutch is a 16 hour job.

 

I have an 83 944 NA Thanks for the advice. Is there any way to beef up the ring and pinion, or would a 944 turbo trans hold up better?

 

Turbo tranny will hold up a little better, but is still prone to the same R&P failure on abuse like that. The S2 has a stonger R&P, and is typically what guys swap into their 951 trannies to make them stronger. I don't think the gearing will be good for your car with a turbo tranny though, an S2 might be close, but I have never tried it.

 

I found a guy selling Sachs clutch kits on EBay for 350 or so dollars. Do you think they are legit? That seems pretty cheap for getting EVRYTHING.

 

Well, it probably isn't everything. I would guess it is just the clutch kit (Pressure plate, throwout bearing, disc). But that is a still a very good price.

You will also need:
Rear Main Seal
9 flywheel bolts
9 pressure plate bolts
Throwout bearing (release bearing) guide tube
If you clutch fork is at all grooved (and I will almost guarantee it is), you will need that as well ($$$$)
If not replacing the fork, you will need 2 clutch fork needle bearings (the new forks come with them already installed)
Clutch lever shaft
Pilot bearing