1993 300ZX clutch advice wanted

High performance clutch: I think it has more to do with your driving style. You will lose a bit of daily driveability. But if you're racing, you'll get better performance. So unless you race, or drive really hard, forget about the more expensive performance clutch. A performance clutch will wear just as much as a regular clutch if you slip it. Your driving style will determine how long your clutch will last. I am on the original clutch on my

95 Pathfinder. It has over 220,000 kms. My friend burns through clutches every 2 years in his car. It all depends on how you drive.

Buying yourself: Most mechanics will not install a customer-supplied part. They do this because of warranty concerns. You're better off going somewhere that will offer you a good name brand or OEM clutch.

Performance clutch brands: ACT or Centerforce are all I'm familiar with. I had a Centerforce on an Eagle Talon that was nice. Not nice for driving in traffic though, but great for 6000 rpm AWD launches.

So my advice, get a genuine Nissan clutch unless you plan on doing some racing. Save your cash for other upgrades or repairs. A timing belt replacement will set you back plenty, but is not something to ignore.

I'll second that as the most important factor in clutch life.

The clutch should be either in or out. Any time spent in between should be kept to the absolute minimum.

John

I did some poking around and found out about ACT and Exedy? I think that's it. Clutches also come in different stages?

A couple shops recommend Stage 1 because they're more durable. They also claim if you get the aluminum flywheel that they're lighter, car performs better, can even save a bit on gas?

I take it stages 3-5 are probably what race car drivers use for professional racing? I don't know.

I commute 50 miles 5 days a week for my job, all but about 4 of those miles are highway and about the only rush hour traffic I deal with is early rush hour, so unless there's an accident, it's usually pretty smooth sailing.

I don't plan on racing my car on any race tracks, but I would like to do some enhancements to the car while I own it for a couple reasons. One would be for fun; I love driving and have never done any upgrades on a car. Secondly, I thought putting extra money into stronger, more durable, and higher performance parts would raise the resale value; or at least not depreciate it. I do plan on selling when it's paid off; probably a few more years.

Anyways. I see what you're saying. If I went to a Stage 1 clutch, would I notice a big difference, and will I be frustrated? I was under the impression Stage 1 would just give a little more torque so it's quicker shifting?

I'm a quick study, but far from confident in my knowledge. Of course I want to do the smart thing, which is why I inquired here, but that little devil on my shoulder wants to try something new instead of being boring. In the same token, I don't want to be stupid and cause more problems (or really not improve the performance) despite spending more for a higher performance clutch.

I actually haven't even priced out OEM clutches; I've been pretty hellbent on upgrading, but I need people to put me in perspective, so I appreciate the feedback.

Thanks

Stage I more than adequate for a stock car. If you have done a lot of mods then you need to think about a stronger clutch.

I just put an exedy in my mItsubishi and I'm very happy with it. The feel and quality of the build are excellent.

DOnt bother with the aluminum flywheel unless you have a real reason. It will make driveability more difficult in high traffic since you need more RPM for a launch compared to with that nice heavy steel item full of kinetic energy!

I have had problems with some pressure plates over the years when they didnt go "overcenter" The past problem clutch was from LUK and ended up breaking the pedal box in my Honda while I argued with the salesman! (sheesh!!)

If you have good toolbox and are comfortable wrenching you can do the job yourself, but if you have any doubts about your abilities to remove and replace a transmission, better leave it to someone else.

-SP

Toad wrote:

If you have a twin turbo, you'll want to go with the RPS segmented flywheel and the RPS sport street clutch. This is an amazing clutch setup that will serve you well if you plan to upgrade your car at all. It maintains a stock feel. Otherwise (if you have an NA) the stock clutch will probably serve you well.

It sounds like you're interested in learning more about your car though, so I'd suggest you spend some time at

. You'll find it's an excellent resource for the Z32. The FAQ and search function will answer almost any question you have about your car.

Dustin

Thanks Speedy Pete.

I'm also curious. I'd heard to stick with OEM if my car is stock and doesn't have any extra horse power than what it came with. Are there adverse effects to upgrading to stage 1, I mean, other than the way the clutch releases or what-have-you... I'm talking about adverse effects on other parts, the engine, transmission, etc, will other parts wear down, will the engine take unusual wear, should I upgrade the horse power, and do you have any tips/advice in that realm?

Lastly, and this is for anyone...

When I first owned my car, I was driving down the highway about 100 mph when all the lights on the dash came on, as if I'd turned off the car. I couldn't accelerate and do not even recall the engine running. My first instinct was what happened to my other Z, blown valve (or piston, whatever it was... unscrewed a spark plug and a lot of metal). Fortunately, that didn't happen. In fact, I coasted off the highway, called triple AAA and before they arrived, my car started again. I was told I may have a tire sensor, but that it shouldn't shut down the car until about 120-130. Since that time, it has happened a few other times, but I haven't taken my car back up to 100 since that day; it happened at 85 and 65. I have to pay more attention to the circumstances, but when I was going 65, I was simply pacing traffic, was approaching my exit and pushed in the clutch... while it was pushed in, all the lights came on, I kept it pushed in till I got to the exit, let off the clutch, and it engaged fine, all the lights shutoff and everything was normal. It's weird. It's like the car wants to shutoff or something. Tire tread isn't low, dealership didn't find anything abnormal going on when I had them check it out. Nobody seems to know what this anomaly is.

Thanks.

It's not twin turbo though, what else do you recommend? I haven't purchased a clutch yet. I spent money last month getting the timing done. Clutch will get done next month or month after. I actually haven't been driving much lately.

Yes, I am interested in possibly doing more upgrades, maybe boosting the horse power, but it's going to be a work in progress, maybe every few months I'll get something done. I don't want a race car; this is a pretty car that probably shouldn't be raced, but it's a performance car and I'm going to own it at least 2-3 more years, so yea. I think it's fun smoking hondas off the line. They all seem to look and sound the same, kinda sucks. I wish there were some originality out there, but anyways. That's a chapter in another book.