Please read! I have a 2007 350Z VQ35HR with about 157,000 miles currently. I got it at about 136k miles. It came with a Z1 V2 CSC elimination kit installed with a z1 clutch and flywheel kit recently installed.

Pre context incase this might help: One day the car suddenly stopped going into gear about a year in. This was about 12,000 at most 14,000 miles on the z1 clutch and flywheel. I drive the car normally and know how to drive a manual properly, although I do occasionally drive it aggressively.

I had to install washers the slave cylinder to get the clutch to fully disengage. After doing that, the clutch engagement point was very close to the floor.

Fast forward to now. When I pulled everything apart to install a new clutch and flywheel I purchased. I noticed the throwout bearing was in pretty poor condition.

I installed an ACT XACT Streetlite flywheel (Part #600590) and a Competition Clutch Stage 3 clutch and pressure plate (Part #6073-2600). I reused the clutch fork and pivot ball from the Z1 CSC elimination kit and installed a new Z1 throwout bearing and pilot bushing.

The hydraulic system appears to be working properly, and the throwout bearing seems to be moving as it should. However, I can only shift into gear when the engine is off. As soon as the engine is running, I cannot get the transmission into gear.

I also have a Wilwood master cylinder available, along with an '03 350Z release fork and pivot ball if those would make any difference.

At this point, I'm not sure if I'm dealing with a clutch/flywheel compatibility issue, a stack-height problem, an incorrect release fork/pivot ball setup, or possibly a pilot bushing installation issue.

I'm not a mechanic, but this is my daily driver, and I love my Z. Has anyone experienced something similar or have any idea what might be causing this? I've searched extensively and haven't been able to find a clear answer.

Thank you

 

Pivot ball snapped?