Really hard clutch and hard shifting after 3 weeks in body shop
 

Just got my car back after 3 weeks in paint. It looks great, but.... now it's really hard to drive! The clutch action seems really really hard, and it's difficult to change gears. The car has alway been pretty notchy, but now it's almost undriveable.

Earlier this year, the sleeve on the trans side of the shift cable slipped downwards and caused the cable to bind. I pushed the sleeve back up, tightened and lubed the shifter side, and it seemed a lot better.

The clutch was replaced at same time as 6 speed trans was rebuilt, about 25k miles ago by previous owner. There is a B&M type shifter installed - but I've that for a year with no problems.

I have not changed transaxle fluid or bled clutch, although I am willing to try those to fix problem. I'm a bit apprehensive about shifter cable - looks like a real pain to swap that - would rather try adjusting first.

I am planning to do my first autocross in a week.
Please help!

Thanks guys!

Anyone dealt with this before? C'mon guys -- my car is barely driveable.

Sounds like.........someone from the shop drove it. And had a good time with your car. Just my thought on this. Did you check miles ?

My clutch was very stiff... When they got it open the dealer said it was roasted. New clutch all good. Sounds like maybe time to replace yours tho odd between body service... Unless previous poster is right...

No, I didn't think to set the trip odometer before leaving it at the shop. I wouldn't think my old 986 would be the target of their affections though.... there were a 997 and and AMG Benz in the shop at the same time. It COULD be just that I got used to the brand new clutch in my Mini Cooper S that I bought at the same time as this car went in for paint. Another weird thing... the leather on the shifter knob seemed to be abraded on it's passenger side. It was worn from use before, but I don't remember this. Either way there's no recourse, as I already picked up the car and told my insurance co that the work looked good.

Can the durametric software report redlines, along with the date and time they occurred?

Durametric will give you the number of over-rev ignitions and the hour they occurred. You can estimate the date it happened by subtracting the hours of the last over-rev from the total hours on the motor.

AND A "Come to Jesus" meeting with the shop owner , employees and insurance rep.