New 914 Driver - Clutch Feel Options

[jclanin]

Hi all,

I'm currently in the market for a 914. I've driven a few '75 2.0 cars (although it's been quite a while) and a '74 1.8 just today.

The '74 is a very well sorted car with a recent engine rebuild and a new clutch (reputable shop).

Engine sounds great and pulls strong (for a 914 1.8:). My question is about the clutch feel. The clutch is very light compared to my '87 911 3.2 which is not surprising. But starting off in 1st is a bit odd. It just seems like there's not much 'bite' to the clutch engagement point thus I feel like have have to keep the gas pedal down a good bit to confidently 'launch' the car. All other shifts seem fine. It's just starting off in 1st.

I realize there could be MANY factors to this 'feel' - but I'm really just here to find out if that 1st gear / clutch engagement is normal in these cars. I just don't have enough experience to tell.

I'll post many more details about the car if I go further with the sale.

thanks!

Jim Clanin

[bobboinski]

I have 2 914's, a 1971 1.7 and a 1974 2.0. My 1971 is all original and the clutch feel is as you described. No real bite to the engagement of the clutch. The 2.0 is totally different, with a definite engagement point. The 1971 is my second 914 and after driving the 2.0 I just figured the clutch in the other car is close to needing replacement.
I know the clutch in the 2.0 is almost new as I have seen it. I'm just going to drive the other car until the clutch starts slipping, then replace it. But the difference in feel between the two cars is pretty amazing.

[Jamie]

I have 2 914's, a 1971 1.7 and a 1974 2.0. My 1971 is all original and the clutch feel is as you described. No real bite to the engagement of the clutch. The 2.0 is totally different, with a definite engagement point. The 1971 is my second 914 and after driving the 2.0 I just figured the clutch in the other car is close to needing replacement.
I know the clutch in the 2.0 is almost new as I have seen it. I'm just going to drive the other car until the clutch starts slipping, then replace it. But the difference in feel between the two cars is pretty amazing.

I suggest there are several factors that could cause variations in clutch engagement feel. When I replaced my master cylinder from 17mm original to available 19mm the clutch feel was quite different. Throw-out function, clutch adjustment, and other possibilities that are above my pay grade could also be factors.

[bobboinski]

I have 2 914's, a 1971 1.7 and a 1974 2.0. My 1971 is all original and the clutch feel is as you described. No real bite to the engagement of the clutch. The 2.0 is totally different, with a definite engagement point. The 1971 is my second 914 and after driving the 2.0 I just figured the clutch in the other car is close to needing replacement.
I know the clutch in the 2.0 is almost new as I have seen it. I'm just going to drive the other car until the clutch starts slipping, then replace it. But the difference in feel between the two cars is pretty amazing.

I suggest there are several factors that could cause variations in clutch engagement feel. When I replaced my master cylinder from 17mm original to available 19mm the clutch feel was quite different. Throw-out function, clutch adjustment, and other possibilities that are above my pay grade could also be factors.

The clutch isn't hydraulic.... 914 not 993

[Jamie]

I have 2 914's, a 1971 1.7 and a 1974 2.0. My 1971 is all original and the clutch feel is as you described. No real bite to the engagement of the clutch. The 2.0 is totally different, with a definite engagement point. The 1971 is my second 914 and after driving the 2.0 I just figured the clutch in the other car is close to needing replacement.
I know the clutch in the 2.0 is almost new as I have seen it. I'm just going to drive the other car until the clutch starts slipping, then replace it. But the difference in feel between the two cars is pretty amazing.

I suggest there are several factors that could cause variations in clutch engagement feel. When I replaced my master cylinder from 17mm original to available 19mm the clutch feel was quite different. Throw-out function, clutch adjustment, and other possibilities that are above my pay grade could also be factors.

The clutch isn't hydraulic.... 914 not 993

Ooops, yes the brakes felt different too!