Clutch Reviews/Suggestions

chuckd05 · 06-17-2011, 11:27 PM

I am in the market for a new clutch/flywheel combo... I just has a fidanza flywheel for 1 week that had to come out due to some unforeseen circumstances... And I have a credit for a flywheel plus install...

I am going to be upgrading the CSC and adding a clutch at the same time to save on labor... Reading around I have seen a few threads on clutches but no one thread that really goes into pros/cons of one clutch vs anohter...

Southbend, Jim Wolf Tech, Competition Clutch, ACT, Clutchmasters all having clutches, and the holy grail OS Giken (not in my budget at the moment) are all available choices... anyone with any reviews or suggestions would be apreciated..

I loved the performance aspect of my fidanza flywheel and very well may go with it again, but it did chatter quite a bit... RCZ has had both the fidanza and competition clutch flywheel and he says the competition flywheel is quieter and only 3 lbs heavier. (15lbs vs 18lbs)... I will most likely go with one of those two, but the clutch I am very confused about...

My car will stay NA but is driven hard and will see 1/4 track time as well as some real track time in the future...

Any help is appreciated and +rep for all that respond!

Thanks!

chuckd05 · 06-18-2011, 01:51 PM

dont everyone asnwer at once now... lmao... I guess I am on my own with this one

tranceformer · 06-18-2011, 07:13 PM

What's holding you back from just replacing with an OEM clutch? I had a JWT flywheel installed a few months ago, installed a new clutch for good measure. I went with OEM clutch for a few reasons. The main reason was I didn't want to stress the CSC. My stock clutch held up to 26k miles, 100+ track passes. You can ask Jnaut, it looked fine when it he took it out of my car, just some wear on the clutch disk. It probably wouldn't have lasted another 26k miles, or 100 track passes but it wasn't exactly trashed.

OEM clutch worked fine for me. That's my 2 cents.

kevin.z · 06-18-2011, 08:50 PM

According to my readings on this forum, there are some issues with clutch/flywheel upgrade. Maybe RCZ and others can chime in and correct me.

1. CSC Failure: Stock plastic CSC needs to replaced with metal CSC. Currently no one knows whether metal CSC solves the CSC failure or not because it takes time to test it. But in principle and theory it should solve the problem.

2. Master Cylinder Fail: Apparently stock master cylinder sucks too. There are currently no replacement for it. So the best thing to do is replace new stock master cylinder. Apparently it will last you 30k+ miles?

3. Flywheel springs: Some flywheels springs are not match to 370z since they are made for 350z. I still dont exactly understand the details of this issue. RCZ had problems with the Fidanza flywheel and southbend clutch. So I would say be extremely cautious with what flywheel you choose?

Feel free to tell me I am wrong and I hope that I am wrong because my clutch is about die soon. I was looking for a new clutch but now looks like upgrading clutch will open a can of worms.

NeverBoneStck · 06-18-2011, 09:42 PM

I have a jwt clutch and flywheel . I also have the z speed metal csc.. My master cylinder is starting to fail at 32,000 miles. Hopefully I can get it replaced under warranty..

chuckd05 · 06-19-2011, 11:22 PM

I am really not a fan of the stock clutch in this car... its too soft, mushy, and not very aggressive at all...

I can leave it stock but if I am not paying any labor I might as well upgrade it when its open... but I do have a brand new clutch and OEM flywheel in there...

The fidanza flywheel def , to me, improved the driving feeling substantially . Now that its out I can def tell, and I miss it already.. the chatter with fidanza is def noticeable but I couldn't care less about that. But many would I am sure.

98intrigue · 06-20-2011, 03:39 PM

I have the Fidanze 15lb flywheel and ACT 6puck, which is too extreme for your needs. I'd look into a stage 1 or stage 2 clutch. Usually the stage 3/4 clutches start getting into the puck range. I know a popular choice was the Exedy stage 1 kit among the G35/350Z guys who stayed NA.

Synack · 06-28-2011, 11:33 PM

I too am looking to possibly upgrade because whoever owned my car last definitely wore out the clutch. Shifting above 5k slips for sure. I don't know whether to upgrade or go with OEM, I'm also trying to do all of this for relatively cheap. Can anything be done under warranty? I also plan on taking it to the track a few times, not 100. Maybe 25-30. I also plan to stay relatively stock, bolt-ons being the most. Should I get a stage 1 or stay with OEM? And the warranty thing because its at 20k?

NewYorkJon34 · 06-29-2011, 12:48 AM

I have a Southbend stg.4 + dxd steel flywheel + hd csc for sale (still boxed) for those that are interested, just PM me

Synack · 06-29-2011, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewYorkJon34

I have a Southbend stg.4 + dxd steel flywheel + hd csc for sale (still boxed) for those that are interested, just PM me

Stage 4? Are you running a bi-turbo setup? Sheesh! I've driven a stage 4 before good lord that is totally ridiculous. You get like an inch of clutch engagement.

chuckd05 · 06-29-2011, 12:21 PM

You should be able to get your Clutch covered under warranty if you bought it recently and it is slipping ...

Synack · 06-29-2011, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckd05

You should be able to get your Clutch covered under warranty if you bought it recently and it is slipping ...

I bought it used @ 16k miles. It is now 20k.

chuckd05 · 07-02-2011, 11:41 PM

You should def be able to have it covered.

As for me getting a clutch my shop has a Jim wolf clutch fkywheel combo that I can have for $200 or I can keep stock clutch and get the fidanza.

If I get the jwt I'd get the upgraded csc , I'll Prob keep oem for now and replace next time around.

V8Killer · 07-05-2011, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckd05

You should def be able to have it covered.

As for me getting a clutch my shop has a Jim wolf clutch fkywheel combo that I can have for $200 or I can keep stock clutch and get the fidanza.

If I get the jwt I'd get the upgraded csc , I'll Prob keep oem for now and replace next time around.

Really only 200 bucks? Dude thats a good deal I saw it going for 775.

fuct · 07-05-2011, 02:57 PM

no they wont replace the clutch under warranty......

06-17-2011, 11:27 PM	#1 (permalink)
chuckd05 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: NY Posts: 2,391 Drives: No longer a Z Rep Power: 20	Clutch Reviews/Suggestions I am in the market for a new clutch/flywheel combo... I just has a fidanza flywheel for 1 week that had to come out due to some unforeseen circumstances... And I have a credit for a flywheel plus install... I am going to be upgrading the CSC and adding a clutch at the same time to save on labor... Reading around I have seen a few threads on clutches but no one thread that really goes into pros/cons of one clutch vs anohter... Southbend, Jim Wolf Tech, Competition Clutch, ACT, Clutchmasters all having clutches, and the holy grail OS Giken (not in my budget at the moment) are all available choices... anyone with any reviews or suggestions would be apreciated.. I loved the performance aspect of my fidanza flywheel and very well may go with it again, but it did chatter quite a bit... RCZ has had both the fidanza and competition clutch flywheel and he says the competition flywheel is quieter and only 3 lbs heavier. (15lbs vs 18lbs)... I will most likely go with one of those two, but the clutch I am very confused about... My car will stay NA but is driven hard and will see 1/4 track time as well as some real track time in the future... Any help is appreciated and +rep for all that respond! Thanks! __________________ 09 370Z 6M PW - FBO Best 1/4 mile = 12.926 @ 109 SOLD -- 08 BMW 135i - FBO 12.1@120mph SOLD -- white 09 e92 335 Coupe Mtech - 11.9 @ 119 :-)

06-18-2011, 01:51 PM	#2 (permalink)
chuckd05 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: NY Posts: 2,391 Drives: No longer a Z Rep Power: 20	dont everyone asnwer at once now... lmao... I guess I am on my own with this one __________________ 09 370Z 6M PW - FBO Best 1/4 mile = 12.926 @ 109 SOLD -- 08 BMW 135i - FBO 12.1@120mph SOLD -- white 09 e92 335 Coupe Mtech - 11.9 @ 119 :-)

06-18-2011, 07:13 PM	#3 (permalink)
tranceformer A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Palm Beach, FL Posts: 1,213 Drives: 2009 370Z PW 6MT Rep Power: 268	What's holding you back from just replacing with an OEM clutch? I had a JWT flywheel installed a few months ago, installed a new clutch for good measure. I went with OEM clutch for a few reasons. The main reason was I didn't want to stress the CSC. My stock clutch held up to 26k miles, 100+ track passes. You can ask Jnaut, it looked fine when it he took it out of my car, just some wear on the clutch disk. It probably wouldn't have lasted another 26k miles, or 100 track passes but it wasn't exactly trashed. OEM clutch worked fine for me. That's my 2 cents. __________________ Ray 2009 370Z Base Sport 6MT / 12.860 @ 109.09mph / 1.921 60ft / street tires official 1/4 mile track times

06-18-2011, 09:42 PM	#5 (permalink)
NeverBoneStck A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Beaverton, Or Posts: 1,110 Drives: 2008 G37 S Rep Power: 18	I have a jwt clutch and flywheel . I also have the z speed metal csc.. My master cylinder is starting to fail at 32,000 miles. Hopefully I can get it replaced under warranty.. __________________ Juiced! That is all you need to know !!

06-19-2011, 11:22 PM	#6 (permalink)
chuckd05 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: NY Posts: 2,391 Drives: No longer a Z Rep Power: 20	I am really not a fan of the stock clutch in this car... its too soft, mushy, and not very aggressive at all... I can leave it stock but if I am not paying any labor I might as well upgrade it when its open... but I do have a brand new clutch and OEM flywheel in there... The fidanza flywheel def , to me, improved the driving feeling substantially . Now that its out I can def tell, and I miss it already.. the chatter with fidanza is def noticeable but I couldn't care less about that. But many would I am sure. __________________ 09 370Z 6M PW - FBO Best 1/4 mile = 12.926 @ 109 SOLD -- 08 BMW 135i - FBO 12.1@120mph SOLD -- white 09 e92 335 Coupe Mtech - 11.9 @ 119 :-)

06-18-2011, 08:50 PM	#4 (permalink)
kevin.z Enthusiast Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: vancouver(shipping:WA Posts: 359 Drives: 09 370z M6 PGtouring Rep Power: 16	According to my readings on this forum, there are some issues with clutch/flywheel upgrade. Maybe RCZ and others can chime in and correct me. 1. CSC Failure: Stock plastic CSC needs to replaced with metal CSC. Currently no one knows whether metal CSC solves the CSC failure or not because it takes time to test it. But in principle and theory it should solve the problem. 2. Master Cylinder Fail: Apparently stock master cylinder sucks too. There are currently no replacement for it. So the best thing to do is replace new stock master cylinder. Apparently it will last you 30k+ miles? 3. Flywheel springs: Some flywheels springs are not match to 370z since they are made for 350z. I still dont exactly understand the details of this issue. RCZ had problems with the Fidanza flywheel and southbend clutch. So I would say be extremely cautious with what flywheel you choose? Feel free to tell me I am wrong and I hope that I am wrong because my clutch is about die soon. I was looking for a new clutch but now looks like upgrading clutch will open a can of worms.

06-20-2011, 03:39 PM	#7 (permalink)
98intrigue A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Clearwater, FL Age: 39 Posts: 4,855 Drives: 2014 Viper Rep Power: 430	I have the Fidanze 15lb flywheel and ACT 6puck, which is too extreme for your needs. I'd look into a stage 1 or stage 2 clutch. Usually the stage 3/4 clutches start getting into the puck range. I know a popular choice was the Exedy stage 1 kit among the G35/350Z guys who stayed NA. __________________ Ryan - 2014 Stryker Green Viper Gone - a few Vipers and a couple turbo VQs

06-28-2011, 11:33 PM	#8 (permalink)
Synack A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Houston Age: 36 Posts: 1,012 Drives: Sideways Rep Power: 16	I too am looking to possibly upgrade because whoever owned my car last definitely wore out the clutch. Shifting above 5k slips for sure. I don't know whether to upgrade or go with OEM, I'm also trying to do all of this for relatively cheap. Can anything be done under warranty? I also plan on taking it to the track a few times, not 100. Maybe 25-30. I also plan to stay relatively stock, bolt-ons being the most. Should I get a stage 1 or stay with OEM? And the warranty thing because its at 20k? __________________ NO LONGER OWNS A 370 Turbo FR-S

06-29-2011, 12:48 AM	#9 (permalink)
NewYorkJon34 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Naples, Florida Posts: 3,041 Drives: 09 Fairlady Z Rep Power: 1065	I have a Southbend stg.4 + dxd steel flywheel + hd csc for sale (still boxed) for those that are interested, just PM me __________________ NewYorkJon34's Ultimate Z Build

06-29-2011, 12:21 PM	#11 (permalink)
chuckd05 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: NY Posts: 2,391 Drives: No longer a Z Rep Power: 20	You should be able to get your Clutch covered under warranty if you bought it recently and it is slipping ... __________________ 09 370Z 6M PW - FBO Best 1/4 mile = 12.926 @ 109 SOLD -- 08 BMW 135i - FBO 12.1@120mph SOLD -- white 09 e92 335 Coupe Mtech - 11.9 @ 119 :-)

07-02-2011, 11:41 PM	#13 (permalink)
chuckd05 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: NY Posts: 2,391 Drives: No longer a Z Rep Power: 20	You should def be able to have it covered. As for me getting a clutch my shop has a Jim wolf clutch fkywheel combo that I can have for $200 or I can keep stock clutch and get the fidanza. If I get the jwt I'd get the upgraded csc , I'll Prob keep oem for now and replace next time around. __________________ 09 370Z 6M PW - FBO Best 1/4 mile = 12.926 @ 109 SOLD -- 08 BMW 135i - FBO 12.1@120mph SOLD -- white 09 e92 335 Coupe Mtech - 11.9 @ 119 :-)

07-05-2011, 02:57 PM	#15 (permalink)
fuct A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sugar Land Posts: 3,692 Drives: 97' Ranger :) Rep Power: 24	no they wont replace the clutch under warranty......

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