hello,

I have an 03 350z touring edition w/ 90K miles, and I'm in need of a clutch replacement. My throw-out bearing is going, and the car is making that 'growling' noise when the clutch is engaged. I have a few of questions.

1. does it really make sense to get a stage 2 or stage 3 clutch replacement? I use car for daily driving and I'm not very hard on it. I've read that a stage 2 clutch will add HP, but I don't really want to change the 'feel' of it.

2. are the aftermarket clutches better quality than a Nissan OEM? Will they last longer or perform better? Is there a certain brand/type which is recommended?

3. Do I need to change the flywheel with the clutch? Currently, the clutch is not slipping, its just making that strange 'growling' noise when engaged in neutral. I've read that a failing throw-out bearing is what causes the 'growling' sound, and that it's best to change the entire clutch when this happens.

4. Lastly, can anyone recommend a repair shop in the Orlando Florida area who is familiar with 350z clutch replacements? I'd feel much better taking my Z to a facility who has this experience,, for obvious reasons.

thank you for help, it's appreciated.
-andrew

 

1. a clutch will not add any HP
2. yes they are better, alot of people get the JWT clutch/flywheel combo
3. see answer to question 3
4. clutchs are easy to replace, any trans shop can do it

 

hey, thank you for the quick response.

so i went on ebay to look up JWT clutch kits and found this... http://bit.ly/1sv2ljP .. It looks like it's the clutch and flywheel for an 03 350z. Would you call this a 'stage 1' clutch? is this the appropriate JWT replacement?

It looks like it's the clutch and flywheel only, so im assuming that I will still need to purchase the throw-out bearing which I found here.. http://bit.ly/1npl6W7 .. Is this all I will need for the repair? Is there anything else I'm missing or can i basically take these three items to a shop and have them perform the service?

sorry for sounding like such a noob, i know all about repairing computers but barely a thing about cars. thank you for your help.

-andrew

 

ebay is blocked at my job, but IPP usually does free shipping.. check this link

https://my350z.com/forum/6564014-post1.html

 

If you've got a day that yournot doing anything and have the basic tools there shouldn't be any problem doing it yourself. I did mine twice in a day (tob grenaded as soon as I started it back up) I got the OE exedy kit it has about 35-40k on it and haven't had any problems except with the bearing they sent with the kit. Also got a slightly used flywheel from another member here and had it dingle berried.I spent maybe a total of 400 all in.

 

You do not necessarily need to replace your flywheel.

If you get a lightweight flywheel it will make the transmission chatter more noticeable.

You will only know for sure when you take the transmission and clutch off and are able to inspect the flywheel surface. If it has many noticeable hot spots and is visibly worn around the perimeter then you will want to replace or resurface.