Spec 86-90 Porsche 944 Turbo Stage 1 Clutch Kit
SPEC SP291 is the Stage 1 clutch kit for the 1986-1990 Porsche 944 Turbo, the car Porsche coded internally as the 951. It is the kit to choose when the original clutch has worn out and the car is stock or mildly boosted: the pedal engages near the top, fourth and fifth gear slip under full boost, or the car shudders as it pulls away. SPEC rates it at 310 ft-lb, which leaves real margin over the factory torque figure while keeping a light pedal and smooth street manners.
The 944 Turbo carries its engine up front and the gearbox at the rear as a transaxle. A torque tube with a long shaft inside joins them, and the clutch sits at the engine end of that tube. SPEC's Stage 1 uses a molded, high-performance organic lining, the same family of material a factory disc uses, so engagement stays smooth and wear stays low. The extra holding power comes from SPEC's pressure plate and lining choice rather than an aggressive friction material. That makes SP291 a good fit for a daily-driven or weekend 951 that does not need a puck or metallic disc. Even the 1988 Turbo S, the strongest factory version, made about 350 Nm, roughly 258 ft-lb, so a 310 ft-lb rating covers stock cars with room for a chip or boost increase.
Reaching the clutch on a 951 means unbolting the transaxle and sliding the torque tube back, so confirm the diagnosis first. In fourth gear at about 2,500 rpm, go to full throttle; if rpm rises as boost builds without the car pulling harder, the disc is slipping. Our slip diagnosis guide explains the test, and flare versus slip helps separate a clutch problem from other causes. Check the clutch master and slave for leaks and look for oil at the bellhousing. A rumble that follows road speed rather than engine speed usually points to the torque tube bearings or transaxle instead.
SPEC lists SP291 for the Porsche 944 Turbo, 1986-1990, including the Turbo S. It does not fit the naturally aspirated 944, 944S or S2, which use the SP313F family of kits, and it does not fit the 968. A few early cars have had their clutch or flywheel swapped over the years, so match the part numbers on what is fitted now or send us your year and VIN. More options are in our clutch and rebuild kits.
| Brand | SPEC |
| Part number | SP291 |
| Fits | Spec 86-90 Porsche 944 Turbo Stage 1 Clutch Kit |
| Vehicle fitment | Porsche 944 (1986-1990) |
| Type | Clutch Kits - Single |
| Condition | New |
| Ships | Same business day (in stock), from the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
SPEC rates SP291 at 310 ft-lb. That covers stock 951s and the Turbo S with room to spare. For bigger boost, SPEC's Stage 2 (SP292) is rated 400 ft-lb and its Stage 3+ (SP293F) 580 ft-lb.
Yes. SPEC's Stage 1 uses a molded organic lining meant for smooth engagement and long life, so it drives close to a factory clutch.
No. SP291 is listed only for the 1986-1990 944 Turbo. The naturally aspirated 944 family and the 968 use different clutch kits.
No. Resurface your flywheel if it is within spec, or fit a new one. SPEC lists a steel SP44S and an aluminum SP44A for the 944 Turbo.
The release bearing, any worn release lever pivot parts, the rear main seal if it weeps, and torque tube bearings that are noisy or loose. Getting to the clutch is most of the labor.
