So I am looking for some help on this because I can't really figure it out based on the symptoms, so hopefully you guys can help me with this.

I have a 987 Cayman and a 987 Boxster (with a TPC turbo). This weekend my brother (the boxster is his) hopped into my car and did a 4000 rpm launch (completely dumped the clutch). PSM was off. Lets just say it wasn't the best launch and as soon as the car was stopped the smell of clutch was apparent. I have Michelin Pilot Super Sports on the car that are less than a year old and havent seen track time yet so I would say they probably have about 90% of their life left on them, which probably did not help, because they stick real well. Now to the problem....

The clutch is (was?) in amazing condition. I have the car almost 4 years now (its an 08) and I do not do burnouts, launches with it. The clutch still grips at the exact same point it did before he launched the car, it does not grip any higher. It does not slip and the car shifts perfectly fine. If anything the grip point feels like it is longer, not higher, but longer, if that is possible? The car can still be rolled out without giving any revs and all works fine. The problem is when driving off from a stop, when giving some gas, the rear end of the car will shake where it feels like the top of the grip point on the clutch. I had thought maybe something loosened up on the rear axle, or maybe an engine mount etc but if you give more revs (not a lot lets say 1500, 1600 rpm vs say 1200) the rear end does not shake, which makes me think it is something with the clutch/flywheel? As I mentioned, transmission wise, the car is running perfectly fine outside of this problem. Any ideas?

 

Sounds like the Dual mass Flywheel is damaged, the Dual Mass Flywheels or DMF isolates torsion crankshaft spikes making a smoother take up. The Boxster/Cayman use a dual-mass flywheel which is a two-piece spring loaded component that is bonded together. A new flywheel runs around $1000 for the part another $1000 labor or more. I've seen a few failures so it's not unheard of. Not seeing the car myself I'm only guessing so have it looked at by a pro. You may hear some noise on clutch take up too, if so I'd lean more towards the flywheel. Sorry, John

 

I was thinking flywheel as well, but wouldnt that have an impact on all gear changes? I'm also thinking the clutch glazed and the surface is uneven and I feel it while driving off because that is when there is the most friction? I have driven it every day since and the rear end shaking isnt as bad as the first day if that makes any sense? I know the clutch is self adjusting but I am still a bit puzzled.

 

The clutch does the most work starting off, once underway very little slippage occurs this is why you have the problem pulling away. The clutch may be causing this issue too but no matter what you'll be pulling the gearbox. I'm still going with the flywheel by the sounds of what you're saying.

 

I think its the flywheel as well, it felt like it wasnt doing it as much the last two days so I was thinking maybe the clutch was glazed unevenly and needed to even out, but I took the car out tonight and it was doing it more severely than usual and under hard acceleration the 1-2 shift was definitely not the same as usual. I'm going to have to take it to be looked at soon. Where in the northeast are you?

 

We learn to compensate with problems like this, if you're very easy on the clutch it will smooth out the worst of it but the problem remains. DMF flywheels often are replaced when I do Porsche clutches, Porsche recomends replacement after 100k so I don't fool around on anything over 75k, I just swap them with a new one. I've had request to replace the flywheel with a solid unit, don't do it, you'll regret it later. Hope this helps a little.

I'm in the Berkshires, (Stockbridge Ma)

 

I think it is the flywheel or pressure plate as well. The car is still under warranty, I know the clutch is a wear item but if it is just the flywheel is it covered under warranty?

 

The flywheel is covered under warranty but think you'll be required to pay for the Clutch kit as this is a wear item and depending on driver skills can wear early. I wouldn't go into details with your dealer but tell him/her it feels like the Dual Mass Flywheel failed. They can fail durring normal use so don't think you'll have a problem, if they give you trouble ask for the Porsche district representatives phone number, this will get quick action. Good luck and keep Brother away from the Boxster, a 4k clutch drop shouldn't have caused this but DMF take a lot of punishment doing this. I'm sure He feels bad, I would.