I have a vortech setup on my 06 350z. Right now Im putting down 418whp and 344wtq. I still using the oem clutch at this point but feel that its on its way out. I never intended to keep the oem clutch as I knew at some point Id need to replace it but just want to know if Im actually experencing symptoms of a clutch going bad or if it is something else. I noticed that when I road race it after several times when getting on it in any gear Ill have a slight hesitation around 4-4500rpms. Almost as if the car stops and then starts going again. But then when I let the car sit for a while and get back in it again it doesnt hesitate at all. It only started to do this recently as well. I checked for all other things, ie utec, bad map sensor, tune, bpv being to open, belt slip, and boost leaks and have nothing. Also Occasionally when pulling out in first gear I hear a pop sound right when I engage the clutch going into first. Could thses sypmtoms be of a bad clutch or possibly something else? All feedback is appreciated.

 

yup bad clutch...unlike a carbon clutch...when the oem gets hott it doesnt grab better...it grabs worse....i had this prob when i was procharged at only 377rwhp(7psi)...i now have the clutchmasters stage 4 clutch alum/flywheel....works amazing and handles gobs of powa....

 

Alright thanks. I figured thats what it was but jsut wanted some other feedback. What do you think is the best clutch do run? My power goal is only 450whp ever and its a vortech so the tq will never be that high. Maybe the JWT? Any others I should look at?

 

i like my cm stage 4...they say it can handle 550rwhp and is reasonably priced...after that u get into carbon clutches and 2k+...the jwt clutch might have a little trouble holding that power level....

 

Alright, I look into that then. Thanks

 

act is another great setup worthy of serious consideration - holds tons of torque, but very easy to drive

 

I have a question as well. I was racing and I threw the car into 3rd gear and my rpm's dropped to about 3500 then went back up after that an odd smell came from the car. now I have a clatterin sound when the car is in neutral with the clutch all the way up. but that is the only time I hear this sound. Any suggestions one what I did and what is wrong with my car?

 

Since I know its my clutch going bad, what is the popping sound that I hear when engaging the clutch going into first gear?

 

Can the OEM clutch handle 350-400whp. Does the clutch get hot and wear out if you're in gear and go WOT? I understand and would expect it to go out during drag, but if you baby it, would it last?

 

the stock clutch is rated for a stock car - anytime you ask the stock clutch to now hold more torque than it was originally rated for, you will compromise its life. How long it lives with the new power depends on how well it was broken in to begin with, your driving style and technique, and sheer luck