[Eric G]

OK, another day and another update. Seems this thread has a little bit of interest so I will keep doing it in case someone finds something of use.

Today was transmission removal day and the first chance to see how the exterior of the IMS looks. To get there was a tad bit of a task. Why? Well, beside Porsche being worried that someone will steal the transmission fluid by using a 14mm triple square plug, it turns out that they also use a 10mm triple square on ONE of the transmission bolts just in case the fluid thieves try to take the transmission as well. If they are that determined...they can have them both! Good thing NAPA has the tools in stock.

After cleaning all the suspension out I am at the point of pulling the transmission. Couple of things to note that are not covered in Bentley or 101 Projects is that on the shift cables (for a 1998) there are locking washers on the attachments that you need to pry open prior to lifting off of the transmission. They will have three prongs that hold it to the mounting plug.







OK, now that I think that I am ready to pull the transmission, I realize that one of the "missing" bolts turns out to be a nut on the back of bolt "G". Well, now I am only missing one bolt not two as I originally thought. With the nut removed the transmission separates as easy as pie. Make sure you have the engine supported as noted in Wayne's book and you will have a tranny sitting on the ground.





Now it is time to pull the clutch and flywheel and see just how bad things really are. Mind you I am at 90K and the clutch feels smooth as butter... Well, the reality is this clutch and flywheel were toasted. I have a feeling that if I had just taken the minimal effort, I would be back in six months doing this all over again.









So the question remains...where's the gold!