Heavy/Stiff Clutch in S. Replacement Needed?

[heliocentric]

The clutch in my '01 -S is extremely heavy. I've driven other boxsters and 911s and mine is significantly harder to engauge (so it's not just "its a porsche clutch", etc). So heavy in fact, that driving in stop/go traffic is a workout.

My dealer states I need a new clutch, but it doesn't slip at all. I checked pricing and a new clutch kit and flywheel is expensive. So, am I doomed to pay the $1500+, or are there cheaper things to try first?

I've googled the forums, but didn't have much luck getting a clear answer. Also checked faq985.com.

The car has 34000 miles on it.

Thanks for any advice.

[xclusivecar]

I just had my car driven by a Porsche Master Tech and he immediatly noted a heavy clutch. My clutch never slipped and since I never had anything to compare it to in the Porsche world the tech let me drive another Boxster. Although this Box was a few years newer in age the clutch felt like butter. Almost too easy. He said that this was how they were supposed to feel and quoted me $2200. Lucky me...I pulled out my extended warranty, no deductable, and now I have a date this Wednesday. If I were you...try to buy an extended warranty if you can find one cheap enough w/ no deductable, wait a few months and then complain and get it replaced. My warranty cost me $2000 a year ago and I have already had $1000 in repairs performed. This clutch makes it worth it now!

[TriGem2k]

Your clutch is gettin to the end of its life. Within the next few thousand miles it will give out. A friend of mine just found that out the hard way. I told him multiple times that the boxster clutch shouldnt be as hard as his was but he ignored me. Finally i get a call from him saying he couldnt get the car in gear....I kindly laughed and wen to to pick him up.

[heliocentric]

Originally Posted by xclusivecar

I just had my car driven by a Porsche Master Tech and he immediatly noted a heavy clutch. My clutch never slipped and since I never had anything to compare it to in the Porsche world the tech let me drive another Boxster. Although this Box was a few years newer in age the clutch felt like butter. Almost too easy. He said that this was how they were supposed to feel and quoted me $2200. Lucky me...I pulled out my extended warranty, no deductable, and now I have a date this Wednesday. If I were you...try to buy an extended warranty if you can find one cheap enough w/ no deductable, wait a few months and then complain and get it replaced. My warranty cost me $2000 a year ago and I have already had $1000 in repairs performed. This clutch makes it worth it now!

I was told quick clearly (when car was still under its normal warranty) that the clutch wasn't covered, since just like brakes, they wear out. Who is your extended warranty with? Thanks

[xclusivecar]

EasyCare. I PM'd you...

[docdyh]

Let us know if your clutch was covered under warranty. Manufacturer doesn't warranty this item as normal wear/tear, neither does my extended warranty.

[heliocentric]

Originally Posted by docdyh

Let us know if your clutch was covered under warranty. Manufacturer doesn't warranty this item as normal wear/tear, neither does my extended warranty.

To clarify, do you mean that a) Porsche do NOT cover the item under warranty and consider it normal wwar and tear, or b) they do not consider this wear and tear and thus DO cover it under warranty?

My dealer has lead me to believe its the former

Thanks