ZSpeed Performance "CMAK" Review
 

So I got the CMAK installed from Z Speed Performance a few weeks ago.

More info about it here:
http://www.zspeedperformance.com/ZSp...e-ZSP-CMAK.htm

The build quality of the system great. All brackets are zinc coated. The clutch fork is so mean looking. It’s not going to ever give up on you. Install Pics include.

So let’s start by giving you my current clutch setup:
Southbend Stage 3 clutches (NEW) and pressure plate.
Southbend Competition Forged Steel Flywheel.
RJM V2 Clutch pedal system.
Z Speed Performance HD CSC (old).

First let me say that the Z Speed Performance HD CSC has held up GREAT. Not a single issue. I would recommend it to anyone. I have beaten this thing over the 4 years with a number of track weekends.

On to the CMAK:

The install is simple if you have knowledge of removing the transmission. For us it’s about a 2.5 hour process in and out. We have done it a number of times on my Z.

As for adjustments. Not really any needed. Just make sure the Slave it centered on the fork. (Pic's 9, 10, 11) You can spot this by looking at the boot the Slave. I have a Pic show it wrong and one with it right. There is a little wiggle room for this on mounting bracket for this small adjustment.

Bleeding the CMAK external slave unit was EASY compared to the CSC. Took less them 10 min and we had a full pedal. We flushed the entire system. Let’s just say it moves some fluid.

First dive:

First off I notice the engagement point is Lower which I love. The OEM is Way high. With new setup it’s low but not on the floor. I am really likening it.

The pedal pressure was a bit less than the HD CSC and greater than the OEM (I have Stage 3 clutch and pressure plate). So it did lower the pedal pressure some over the HD CSC.

Driving I did a quick run up the street all the way up the 6th, then turned around. When slowing I did a 6th, 5th, 4th, 3rd, 2sd downshift each time. VERY Smooth. Whole new feel. The engagement point I really like. The pedal pressure just adds to the pleasure. Not a workout to push in, but also not a so soft you put your foot through the firewall. You get a feeling.

Over all 110% happy with this change. Looking forward to getting on the Track and testing some more. I would recommend anyone looking at upgrading their clutch system to do this along with it. Get rid of that OEM plastic CSC.

Excellent write up :tup:

Thanx a lot for this!

Have been eyeing this for a future upgrade. My only question is about the appearance of the lack of seal from the elements. Is this just something I'm seeing because of lighting or is there actually a hole in the bell housing with this? I'd be concerned doing this on a year-round daily driven car if so.

The hole in the bell housing it no different then the OEM. OEM uses a rubber grommet with a hole in it.

I just switched over from the z1 csc delete to this, put about 200 miles on it this week. I love how this system feels.

Any particular reason you made the switch? I can't imagine they feel significantly different if installed properly.

I've had the z1 kit for almost two years, don't get me wrong it works great. This system just has a little bit lighter pedal feel, and the main reason I switched was for the self adjusting slave and an overall simpler setup.

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Hi OP where in FL are you located? Did you install this yourself? Are you willing to have this installed on my Z just in case my Oem CSC fails? I'm more than willing to pay you labor cost than have it installed in a Nissan dealership who more than likely would mess up my car.

There is an aluminum dust shield in the kit that covers 90% of the hole where the fork goes through, Nothing to be concerned about at all.

What's the bleeding procedure for this external csc? I don't like the gravity feed bleeding technique used on the internal csc.I hope this is able to do the good old pump and hold to let air out.

Thanks for the detailed review! I've been waiting for feedbacks since this came out a couple weeks ago. I originally bought the HD csc kit but haven't installed it but I'm likely going to return it and upgrade to this unit for the simpler adjustments. I Will email you some time this weekend Joe.

Yup you can do the good old pump, hold, and bleed way.

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^^ This

ZSPEED making top quality kits, great job guys kit looks amazing!

aside from bleeding, what is the advantage of this over the HD CSC?

Ease and cost of maintenance, for sure. I also have the external slave mod.

Really bleeding is pretty simple on both so long as the master is new or in good condition.

Advantages to this are it is cheaper in the long run, Less to no maintenance, fluid stays clean, replacement/Maintenance parts are much cheaper. Basically if you have the clutch replaced in the future it is less than $25 for the CMAK Replacement release bearing VS the HD slave rebuild at $175

Overall CMAK will be more durable in the long run although the HD Slave has held up very well over the last 7-8 years we've had it out.

The guys at Jotech are putting in my Stage 2 kit as we speak. Can't wait to try it out.

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Well, just heard that the guys were so impressed by how it drives that Jotech wants to start stocking the CMAK. *cough* *you're welcome* *cough*

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That's Awesome! The ZSpeed Stage 2 Quite kit with the CMAK is pretty impressive (if I do say so myself) :tiphat:

What would you say the difference is between the flywheel options are 26lb nodular iron and the DxD 19lb billet steel. Noise, performance, durability. ..

With the quiet kit clutch idle noise will be pretty much non-existent, In the low RPM range, under 2500 rpm you can get a light rattle if you are on the gas which goes immediately away once you are over 2300-2500 rpm, This is slightly better with the 26lb but for the difference in performance I would stay with the lighter units, ZSP 17lb, 20lb Billet or SBC 19lb as they add a lot of performance gain.

This is one of those instances when reinventing the wheel results in an inferior product. The traditional fork/clutch release has been used for many decades on a multitude of vehicles. Perhaps the only possible benefits to the csc is it's cheaper to manufacture/fewer parts. Reliability is somewhere on the criteria list but nowhere near the top. While there are some that fail early on, most have issues after the 3yr/36Kmi warranty as run out.

The bean counters at nissan did the math and figured out they still come ahead.

I can vouch for this. I have the Stage 2 quiet clutch and 18.5 lb Z Speed lightweight flywheel, and I can't hear any chatter. None.

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Just ordered!!!!!
 

I just called Joe@ZSpeed, and he clarified my doubts... Just finished placing the order for the ZSP Stage 1 Street Quiet Clutch + Flywheel + CMAK CSC DELETE... I chose the ZSP Forged Steel 17lbs Flywheel.

Final add-ons will be Fast Intentions Non-resonated CBE + Fast Intentions Resonated Test Pipes + K&N Typhoon and the ZSP Kit ordered.

As soon as it is install, I will do the reflash. Let see how it performs!!!!!

Thanks Joe and the ZSpeed Crew!!!!

Raf I'm going to get the same exact setup you described. Just to have an idea how much was the labor to instal the Stage 1 quite clutch + Flywheel + CMAK CSC Delete together.