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

[thelogo]

No insult intended but my mechanic says that this is how so many clutches get burned up .

Try shifting .not from 1st but other gears
Ala carrera gt style by letting the clutch completely out and inguageing the gear before hitting the gas .
(Semi abruptly)
As opposed to always trying to blend the perfect amount of clutch and gas combination.
After you master that ... You will have alot better idea about clutch and 1st gear (IMG:style_emoticons/default/poke.gif)
Your clutch will last longer and you will have more
"Control" of the car
Quicker /abruptly/release /better for clutch
Slow release more wear on clutch


And i had a ca 1.7 and now the big /4
I dont ever recall launching the car and i drive plenty fast and furious . so 914s dont ( launch ) that im aware of

Certainly not in 1st ....
Never abuse 1st gear

[jclanin]

No insult intended but my mechanic says that this is how so many clutches get burned up .

Try shifting .not from 1st but other gears
Ala carrera gt style by letting the clutch completely out and inguageing the gear before hitting the gas .
As opposed to always trying to blend the perfect amount of clutch and gas combination.
After you master that ... You will have alot better idea about clutch and 1st gear (IMG:style_emoticons/default/poke.gif)
Your clutch will last longer and you will have more
"Control" of the car

And i had a ca 1.7 and now the big /4
I dont ever recall launching the car and i drive plenty fast and furious . so 914s dont ( launch ) that im aware of

I definitely was not feathering the clutch/gas. It was just my interpretation of how the clutch felt - no bite. So again, is that they typical feel of these cars when engaging first gear?

And of course I only use 'launch' as the description of starting from zero...