Clutch/flywheel combo options, need help!
 

Hey guys, I’m stuck between 2 different options of clutch+flywheel combos, I need to replace my oem setup as I’m @ 110k miles and they’re worn out beyond belief.

Option 1
https://zspeed.com/product/south-ben...el-conversion/
W/ quiet option

Option 2
https://www.z1motorsports.com/z1-pro...bo-p-5170.html
W/ standard fulll face disc and midweight flywheel

Note: I want something not super noisy for daily driving, hence why I didn’t go for the lightweight, way too noisy.

Will option 1&2 both have improved throttle response compared to the OEM setups?

Any pros with going OEM vs these 2 kits? Thanks a lot for any input.

Seems like you're dailying it with bolt-ons, just go with an OEM clutch. Can't imagine you need a new flywheel at 110k.

Southbend is great too.

Clutch has nothing to do with throttle response. Flywheel weight can make an engine seem more responsive I guess.

Don't know? Ask Joe!

https://zspeed.com/

Throttle response is better addressed with a tune :twocents:

If your Z is only seeing street duty I would recommend installing the South Bend Stage 2 daily clutch and flywheel kit with quiet option. This clutch and flywheel will last longer than the Genuine Nissan OEM clutch and flywheel and it is more durable/stronger as well. Joe certainly knows his stuff and thank you again Joe for helping out the Z community! Install a Z Speed Performance CMAK Kit as soon as possible if you already have not before it’s too late and your Z ends up riding on the back of a flatbed tow truck lol. Also this is a great time to change your transmission fluid if you have not. Definitely install a brand new flywheel at your mileage.

I helped a buddy of mine install the Southbend w/Cmak external slave conversion. I know the Quality is very good & installation went very smoothly :tup:

Also car is Turbo’d...so it’s designed to handle more power:ugh2:

You don't need anything special, but remember that anything you get aftermarket will be noisy compared to OEM. "Quiet" setups are not really quiet but rather noisy instead of loud & noisy.

While you're swapping the clutch/flywheel, get one of the slave cylinder replacements from Zspeed/Z1 motorsports. Its a failure point, might as well get it done

Dunno why I said throttle response, meant to say Revving speed***
Throttle response was greatly improved after my Ecutek tune, HUGE difference :D

The weird thing is, I've had my car since 50,000 miles and have not once had an issue with my CSC. It may be possible that the previous owner did the upgrade as it did come with a few mods when I purchased it, I'm now at 112,000 miles and have never had a problem with the CSC giving out..
Should probably get it checked out before dishing out money on a CSC elimination kit if I already have it. Is there any way to check without taking everything apart? Sebastian @ Specialty Z tried looking under the car but could not tell.

If Seb looked at it; you’ve taken it to the right place :tup:

Yeah Seb is the man, he did my tune as well :)

We installed the cmak as well w/clutch kit...puts slave cylinder external of transmission for easy service :tup:

Oem is internal

Also installed an RJM Clutch pedal (adjustable linkage) that’s the setup a lot of stick-Shift guy’s are going to :tiphat:

The CSC elimination kit relocates it outside the transmission bell housing so, if you had your Z inspected by Seb and he could not find anything then it is possible that you may not have the CSC elimination kit installed on your Z. The Genuine Nissan OEM CSC failure is a gamble more the less a roll of the dice if it will fail or not?? It is possible the Genuine Nissan OEM CSC could have been replaced before you purchased your Z. I replaced my Genuine Nissan OEM CSC four times before I finally had my Z Speed Performance CMAK Kit installed. Replacing the Genuine Nissan OEM clutch and flywheel the first time was something I really was happy that I changed my flywheel had light burn spots on it and my clutch disc had a lot of wear on it. Shifting will improve after you install your new clutch and flywheel. Install the Z Speed Performance CMAK Kit if you don’t have one.

I got Zspeed 20LB flywheel and Stage2+ clutch with quite option, along with a Ebay heavy duty CSC. My feedback:

1. Solid flywheel has pros and cons.

PROS: engine revs noticeably faster and there is less vibrations (if DMF is worn it will vibrate). Car feels much more alive and is more exciting to drive.

CONS: the clutch engagement is harsher, without DMF there is no damping or cushioning of clutch engagement so you def feel if you let off clutch too fast. Fuel consumption goes up, this is debatable, however I did notice it go up by 15% because it funner to drive and engine wants to rev. Tranny rattle from 1000-1500RPM.

2. Stage2 Zspeed clutch has more pros then cons

PROS: My Z is pushing about 320WHP and stock clutch would slip at drag strip in the second gear. Stage2 grabs like a MOFO and with SMF the car picks up like no tomorrow.

CONS: Clutch pedal is about 25% heavier.

What is DMF and SMF?

DMF = Dual-Mass Flywheel

SMF = Single-Mass Flywheel

would you guys take the CMAK kit to be installed at a transmission shop or an actual dealership??? or maybe even a high end tuning shop??? not sure how easy of a job it is.

It's not a difficult job. But any idiot tech can screw it up. I'd avoid the dealership for installation any aftermarket parts unless you have a good relationship with the tech doing the work. Find a competent shop - preferably one that has done the same job with the same parts on another Z34.