[TheLip]

I just cracked 8,300 miles on my 2018C, which is my daily driver. It seems to me that there is now quite a bit more lateral movement available when the shifter is in gear than when I first got the car. So, for example, when I am in any gear, the shifter can be moved side-to-side an inch or two each way. I don't recall that the shifter could be moved nearly that much when I first got the car. I plan on bringing it up when I get my 10k service, but I was just curious if others have experienced the same thing.

 

[GTS]

I'd say my car, at 1,400 miles, has a similar amount of play as you're describing. I think the length of the lever tends to exaggerate the actual amount of lateral movement below the shift boot. All I know is that I need to pay close attention to keeping the gear lever pulled hard to the left during 1 - 2 shifts to avoid the occaisional grind.

 

[ZuffenHouseRules]

I never noticed it while driving (7400 miles, Boxster S), but just now sitting in the garage -- yes, there is about that much lateral play in the shifter. However it feels lightly spring-loaded, not just loose 'slop'....seems designed that way. Overall I don't notice much difference in shifting-feel between this 6MT and my previous 987 short-throw linkage (when it was a factory option). Clutch is a bigger difference.

 

[CupraLeon]

I never noticed it while driving (7400 miles, Boxster S), but just now sitting in the garage -- yes, there is about that much lateral play in the shifter. However it feels lightly spring-loaded, not just loose 'slop'....seems designed that way. Overall I don't notice much difference in shifting-feel between this 6MT and my previous 987 short-throw linkage (when it was a factory option). Clutch is a bigger difference.

Since I never got to testdrive a manual (they are almost non existent here), would you describe the clutch pedal feel 'softer' than the 987?

 

[ArchiProf]

I cannot say for the 987 but I can definitely say the clutch on my 982 is softer (easier to push in) than on my 981. In fact, that is one of the first things I noticed when I first test drove one a year or so ago.

 

[CupraLeon]

Thanks for the feedback. =)

 

[ZuffenHouseRules]

Since I never got to testdrive a manual (they are almost non existent here), would you describe the clutch pedal feel 'softer' than the 987?

I drove my 987 S for 12 years, but I'd have to do a back-to-back A/B with the 718 clutch to answer that with confidence. I'm inclined to say no, the new clutch is not lighter (considering all that added low-end torque it's handling), yet it's not uncomfortably heavy. New it was a bit more 'tight' around the take-up point, after some miles and a bit of controlled slipping the clutch loosens up a bit to where it can easily be feathered. I'm getting to like it as much as the 987 clutch but it's more challenging -- to be expected with that much torque I suppose.

 

[CupraLeon]

Thank you Zuffenhouserules, this answers my question perfectly.
One thing I never liked on my VAG cars was the 'too soft' clutch pedal feel, have always replaced them with a stronger pressure plate/clutch cylinder. About the pick up point, thats pretty normal for a new clutch as long the pick up point isn't at the end of the pedal... =)
Getting used to using a clutch is part of the car control, I remember after putting the SACHS race clutch in my Cupra I was stalling it like I never drove a manual car before =)
Glad to hear all of this, it confirms I made the right choice with the manual.
Nice pic b.t.w

 

[ZuffenHouseRules]

Glad to hear all of this, it confirms I made the right choice with the manual.

A couple other things new/different with the 718 clutch, you might not even be aware of (I wasn't):

1) With auto Start/Stop switched off, in the rare instance you stall the engine from standing start by popping the clutch too fast, you can re-start it instantly just by pushing the pedal back down to disengage the clutch (which is really the instinctive movement your left leg wants to make in this circumstance). Kinda cool...no reaching for the ignition and no one else even knows you stalled it.

2) The auto Hold function on hills, with a little practice, is a nice addition. In situations where I kept my 987 in gear, holding it with a feathered clutch while waiting for the light to change (or garage door to open), I now let the Hold function brake the car while my right foot moves leisurely onto the throttle.

 

[CupraLeon]

A couple other things new/different with the 718 clutch, you might not even be aware of (I wasn't):

1) With auto Start/Stop switched off, in the rare instance you stall the engine from standing start by popping the clutch too fast, you can re-start it instantly just by pushing the pedal back down to disengage the clutch (which is really the instinctive movement your left leg wants to make in this circumstance). Kinda cool...no reaching for the ignition and no one else even knows you stalled it.



2) The auto Hold function on hills, with a little practice, is a nice addition. In situations where I kept my 987 in gear, holding it with a feathered clutch while waiting for the light to change (or garage door to open), I now let the Hold function brake the car while my right foot moves leisurely onto the throttle.

Is the hold function disengaged by the clutch or by the throttle? Can imagine if you need to slip the clutch this gives excessive wear due to the counter force of the brakes applied, or do i see this wrong?

 

[Tailwagger]

I find, 4300 miles, on my CS theres about an inch of play in gear. Though that play in unidirectional, will only move left or right depending on the gear selected. I think find the clutch action to be what I'd call moderate. Its by no means as a light as something like a GTI, but its no where near as hefty as either of my 911s.