UPDATE: 6-21-11

took it to the dealer. confirmed that it's the clutch.. they said the flywheel is fine, tho.
Got a killer deal on the parts and labor to ease the pain. =)

i shifted from 1st to 2nd at 7k rpm and heard a soft 'pop'..

next thing i know, the clutch feels 'weak'.

now the clutch lets out (upto half) normally then it comes up slowly the rest of the way.. like the spring action is gone.

it's hard to put it in 1st gear from a stop. and even 2nd gear is not easy.

i managed to drive it home (mostly highway)

btw, i had a small issue previously - clutch vibration
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...placement.html

and now contemplating my next move.

1- should i take it to the dealer 1st to see what the exact problem is? take the car knowing they won't fix it under warranty since its 'wear and tear' part?

2- or should i just take it to a place like GMG racing and let them do whatever they suggest?

3- or buy the parts (not sure which parts to get, tho.. the clutch assembly? the flywheel? or back pressure plate..?) and take it to a local indy??

suggestions, advices, and feedback are all welcome and encouraged.

thx in adv !

 

I will regret this... but to decide your next step... how experienced (as absolute fact) are you in operating a clutch and manual shifter? Many brag about their proficiency, but from what I see on autox and other car events, that is far from reality. If you are less than perfect in manual shifting, stay with OEM parts.

 

I would build a relationship with your local indy. Have him supply and install the parts.

 

The OEM 997S clutch is one of the best features on that car . I would replace it exactly as it was --stock.

 

Ouch, sorry to hear about your car. I guess all your options are viable - except for #3, I'd probably let the indy (that you trust) diagnose before ordering any parts...

 

perfect? no. Proficient? yes. the vibration in the clutch was noticeable right after i bought the car CPOed.
i am just trying to figure out if the problem is limited to the backpressure plate or the whole clutch assembly.

any recommendation to local indy would also be appreciated

 

Crazy Carlitos,
Not sure where exactly in SoCal you are. I'm in Newport Beach.
My local Indy is a factory trained Porsche Master Mechanic with more than 15 years experience. He runs a small shop on Birch Street. I use him all the time.

European Car Specialist

http://europeancarspecialist.net/OC_...od_Prices.html

Reviews here:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/european-car...-newport-beach

Let me know if you're in a different area and I might be able to recommend others also.

 

thx! i am closer to pasadena area in SGV.
if u got any recommendation in the area, i'd appreciate it !

 

so this sounds like a clutch issue?

i can still depress the clutch and change gears.. it just feels like the clutch lost the action in the springs..

i know its clutch-related.. but not 100% sure if the clutch itself is the problem.

also, should i have it towed or should is ok to drive it to the shop? the car is driveable but i am afraid i might damage the parts more..

 

some people have said it could be the dual mass flywheel..

thoughts?

 

Then stay strictly stock with OEM parts.

 

will do.

any thoughts on the flywheel ?
i.e. does the symtoms sound like DM flywheel issue?

from this thread, it appears to be the pressure plate..
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...into-gear.html

 

i had the clutch replaced at the dealer couple of weeks ago. problem solved.

pics of the replaced clutch below. Comments welcome.

 

Did the SA offer any info about WHY the clutch failed prematurely?