Z, Sam Z

Hey All, i went in to talk to a Nissan mechanic about changing the stock flywheel and clutch on my 04 roadster. I asked the guy for his recommendation on an RPS or Nismo Flywheel, and basically all of the other popular clutches. However, to my avail, he said that putting in a SMF will create dramatic drivetrain vibration, that will eventually destroy or weaken the transmission. Also, he said that any aftermarket clutch, even a stage 1 clutch will be very hard on the transmission due to a "fast" engagement, as opposed to a "slipping" engagement with the stock clutch. Along with that, he said that it will be difficult to drive, and will engage harshly.
I am sure that many of you have changed your clutch/flywheel combo, but has anyone put a lot of miles on their aftermarket combo? And, if so, has the transmission held up well? Is this guy full of crap?
Thanks

str8dum1

iTrader: (11)

he is correct at least about the lighter flywheel/ stronger clutch being more difficult to drive, esp in stop and go traffic. there is definately a learning curve starting all over again with a lightweight setup.

the rest is nonsense

singh

iTrader: (2)

Nismo is made by Nissan. If he told you that the Nismo clutch is bad for your transmission then I suggest you look for another mechanic..

Sharif@Forged

iTrader: (92)

There is some basic truth to his statements, in for all practical purposes on the 350Z, you will be 100% fine upgrading your clutch and flywheel. Our transmissions overall, are very strongly. We have engines pushing over 700whp through without failure. So I think a simple clutch/flywheel upgrade should be just fine.

yogipower

iTrader: (16)

Isn't Z and Nismo got the same clutch? hm correct me If I'm wrong.

davidv

iTrader: (2)

Welcome.

Look at various clutch-flywheel designs. Its easy to tell which is easy on the flywheel, and which grabs and holds. Engagement is the clutch to the flywheel. When the clutch grabs the flywheel (which is spinning), it will “shock” the drive train (transmission included).

Members have posted clutch-flywheel critiques. Search is your friend.

WSchli1672

I have the JWT Clutch and Flywheel, not a single problem. It runs as smooth as before. Like Sharif said, it should be fine. At the Nissan Dealer here, I also had checked into the NISMO Clutch and Flywheel, and was told opposite of your experience. They told me it would be a good addition to the car. Also one of my good friends is a Nissan Mechanic for many years here and at Infinity, also has a 240Z upgraded. So I would say you would be just fine.

davidv

iTrader: (2)

When I first got my 6 Pad Puck Ceramic Clutch and Forged Steel Flywheel by Competition Clutch, I was frustrated as hell that I made a stupid choice. I would stall. And bumping the car 5 or 10 feet (at a drive through) was a nightmare. I made the common mistake of revving the motor high, and trying the “catch” the flywheel lightly. Took me about 500 miles to see that that was a mistake.

Now its light on the gas and light on the clutch peddle. The Z is now easy to drive. I just had to teach the driver how.

Z, Sam Z

Well the only problem i have with replacing the dual mass flywheel is the price. The dealer's price for an OEM replacement is $1,200, nearly twice as much as competing SMFs. Does anyone know of a place where i can buy the OEM dual mass flywheel for less than 1k??

davidv

iTrader: (2)

You can find a clutch similar to the OEM clutch for considerably less than $1,200.

Z, Sam Z

Know of any places?? Got any recommnedations???

davidv

iTrader: (2)

How about $470?

http://www.buyimportperformance.com/.../6072-2100.htm

Z, Sam Z

The clutch isn't the problem. Its the flywheel which is expensive.... Know of any places to buy the dual mass flywheel?? Thanks

Z1 Performance

iTrader: (564)

the OEM unit is very expensive

the real question is what is wrong with yours that its in need of replacement?

Z, Sam Z

When i bought the car, the clutch was worn 95% so its about done. The mechanic at the nissan dealership said that the flywheel needed to be replaced due to warping etc from use with a warn clutch. He also said that it cannot be resurfaced so that means it must be replaced...

Z1 Performance

iTrader: (564)

I see

well, if you need a new one, we can supply it...a bit under $1000 last time I checked. Or, you can go with an aftermarket lighter weight one, which is significantly less $, but adds a bit more noise since they are not dual mass units like the OEM one is

Z, Sam Z

I didn't see anything but the light weight flywheels on you're website. Do you guys have a brand new OEM dual mass flywheel sealed in the nissan box, and if so where can i find it. Thanks

Z1 Performance

iTrader: (564)

it's not listed on our site, just give us a call to order it

davidv

iTrader: (2)

90 percent of after market flywheels are not dual mass. Members have installed alternatives, and found them street friendly. Why not just skip the dual mass flywheel.

Sunset350ZR

iTrader: (6)

ra
I had a light weight flywheel on a modded Sentra but cannot remember any noises. What are these noises you speak of and how loud compared to stock unit.