** Checked multiple threads. If this has been answered 1,000 times then I blame the search function **

I've had my 35th anniversary edition for 5+ years and have put about 45K-50K on it (now has 65K miles) and am well used to noisy 6 speed. However, a few days ago I gave the Z a spirited run through a few red line shifts and have since been getting intermittent metallic grinding noise/vibration right at the point of engaging/disengaging the clutch. This is no normal/usual noise and is fairly loud and pronounced for the brief moment of putting in/out the clutch.

Seems to come up when the engine is warm and more noticeable in lower gear. Asking because I need a few more days until I can get off of work and get it to a shop and don't want to be doing any major damage to the transmission before that point if I don't have to.

 

It's noisier when the fluid heats up (and thins out). When I'm at the track it's noisy as hell after a few laps even when putting around in the lot, but on normal days and cooler weather it quiets back down.

 

Sounds like the clutch release bearing is starting to fail.