HI,

I've searched high and low for comparisons and reviews of NISMO clutch/fw combo but couldn't find much and got some conflicting feedback from people I asked (none of whom are Nissan guys). So I want to ask all of you true Z guys this:

I have an 05 ZR Touring. I have a chance to buy the NISMO clutch and flywheel for a good price. I would be doing it as preventive measure since my original clutch seems to be fine still at 99K miles. However, the price is great and I wouldn't want to pass it up if it is the right setup for me. I am also a rookie when it comes to manuals this being my first 6MT car ever. I am a very spirited driver and run the car pretty hard.

1. Would I need a new pressure plate? If so, what kind?
2. What else would I need? Throwout bearing, etc... All I am potentially buying here are clutch disc (30100-RS250) and flywheel (12310-RSZ30).
3. Power: some say I'll rev faster and be faster, others say that my power band will shift noticably to the top and I'll loose low end torque which the Zs have little to spare to begin with especially with the heavier Roadsterss.
4. As my main driving factor in buying this is saving future cost and retaining street drivability so DO I WANT IT?

Thanks in advance!

 

So far it seems that the NISMO pressure plate 30210-RSZ30-US is needed but I do not know if its required or necessary. The g35driver.com review was the most useful but that is off a G35 and one man's opinin.

 

Before you run out and buy it, here's a couple things to consider:

1. Is it a stock clutch off of a Nismo 350Z?

If yes, it won't fit. It's only for HR engine and CD009-HR spec transmission. End of story.

2. Is it the aftermarket Nismo clutch and flywheel?

If yes, be very careful. It is a heavily sprung, competition unit and combined with a lightened flywheel, is NOT SUITABLE for street or novice driver. Adds very heavy pedal, it can be very noisy, and it's very digital (on/off engagement - not as bad as a hockey disc (puck style) but still requires finessing to engage smoothly).

And yes, it would require a full new clutch setup - that is, a Nismo pressure plate and NEW disc. That's to say, since you're in there, you might as well renew the friction material unless it's KNOWN to be new or BARELY USED; then all you'd need is the pressure plate (or other aftermarket COMPLETE unit - pressure plate, disc, slave, pivot, e.g., JWT, Southbend). And last I'd heard, not sure if the clutch or the flywheel was discontinued in the US... one of them was.

Not understanding why someone's selling the unit with a disc but sans the pressure plate...

In any case, figuring you're going to need other stuff to make it work, it'd have to be under ~$400 (about the cost for a GOOD lighter-than-stock flywheel like a JWT) for this be close to a good deal - much less making it suitable for the street.

I'd pass.

Mic

 

I have included model numbers and the pictures have NISMO Nissan on them and they are for DEs...

 

Yeah, no, those are definitely Nismo Sport clutch PNs. Not something you'll be too happy with for street application provided you can even get them. I just googled the PNs for kicks and NOTHING came back as to availability here in the states. Ehhhhh, if da Googley can't find it or sell it to you, I stand by my assessment.... pass.

And if you do find them.... are you ready to separate yourself from your right arm? $883USD for the clutch assembly alone. Uhhh, I don't think so. Not just to be able to use the Nismo flywhill....

A JWT setup is only about $550 for your car which includes SMF flywheel, clutch cover and disc. One of the most streetable and popular setups out there for street/high performance applications (other than full race).

Mic

PS OK, a note here about my philosophies.... I "preach" (advise) a lot about "proper use, proper equipment". Why? Not because I'm old. Because I've seen/used it all (and not always with good results so I've been there). When I worked for Datsun Comp back in the day, I saw SOOOOO MANY people wanting comp parts for street use that, despite my advising against, they went ahead and did anyways. "Well, if it's good for a race car, must be great at making my street car fast!"

Then came back to me saying, "Uhhhhh, you were right." Not bragging, just fact.

But hey, not my car. Heh heh.

 

I REALLY appreciate the timely and educated advice. I am offered both the clutch disc and flywheel for $400 if that makes any difference.

 

So I thought if I didn't need to buy anything else except bearings and small parts it could be an interesting upgrade.

 

Laff....just noticed you're in CA. Bay Area I presume since I just saw the CL ad for the Nismo clutch setup. Yeah, seems attractive if only for the correct application.

Re-thinking it, I notice seller wants $350 for the flywheel. Mated to a decent clutch like a JWT or Southbend wouldn't be bad but like I said, $550 buys a complete JWT set up so the math isn't really there.

 

Yes I'm in Concord. You seem to know what you're talking about. So you tell me the final answer. Everyone seem to think that it'd work with stock (new) pressure plate.

 

It's my understanding that the Nismo disc requires use of the Nismo clutch cover. If you go that route, it's going to be a rough daily drive. (Harsh engagement.)

Pair the flywheel (by itself) with a JWT or other, more civilized street clutch, could be a nice package but still a little noisy as lighter flywheels in general (lower inertia) have little/no dampening per se so you'll be in for gear noise and increased clutch chatter, particularly on engagement. Not to mention a change in cruising attitude as the engine, while working less (hence allowing freer revs) to move the flywheel also exhibits a condition that feels like clutch slippage at cruising speeds due to the inertial energy "loss". ("A body in motion tends to stay in motion", according to Newton.)

All in all, I'd still go for a "known" complete clutch/flywheel combination over the Nismo but that's just me. I don't put competition grade materials on a street driven car for reliability's sake.