SZ Clutch & Flywheel Upgrades + Bearing!
 

Hi guys

Over the last month or two we've been working to get our drive-train upgrades to the Z34\V36 community along with the 07-08 Z33s.

For those that have never seen or heard about our unique flywheels here's some info.

http://www.specialtyz.com/images/z34...linstalled.jpg
Our flywheels utilize a patented "segmented" heat shield system. Traditional heat shields warp because of the uneven heat produced by a slipping clutch. Just like a car going around in a circle, the outside tires go faster than the inside tires, the clutch disc slides faster around the outside of the flywheel than it does around the inside. The faster moving outside gets hotter than the inside. Because metal expands more the hotter it gets, the outside of the heat shield expands more than the inside. Traditional heat shields are made of one piece metal rings, so when the outside expands more than the inside, the only thing the shield can do is warp. The segmented heat shields are not connected so they can expand and contract without warping. A warped heat shield causes the clutch to slip, which causes more heat and more warpage.
http://www.specialtyz.com/images/z34clutch/toast2.jpg
Example of a warped shield found on other aluminum flywheels.

Our Billet Flywheels are dynamically balanced after CNC machining. Other flywheel manufactures assume that since they CNC their flywheels it comes off the machine fully balanced. This would be true assuming the density of the aluminum is constant throughout the part. Unfortunately even the best billet material is not evenly dense throughout and the starter ring gears are never perfect.

SZ Flywheels are also fully rebuildable for the life of the car. We've been using this flywheel design for over 8 years now with excellent success!

On the Z33 like the Z34 the flywheels used from the factory are a dual mass design. This allowed the flywheel to absorb noise and vibrations. Since aluminum transfers noise easily we focused on designing a performance flywheel that was still quiet while achieving less weight. Less weight off the crank provides freed up power and a quicker, more responsive revving engine.
http://www.specialtyz.com/images/z34...heelweight.jpg

http://www.specialtyz.com/images/z34...heelweight.jpg

We provide 5 different clutch options tailored to the car's power and driver's goals. Our entry level Sport Street clutch features a higher clamp load pressure plate able to hold 500 BHP with an organic clutch disc (OE-Style). This is perfect for someone staying NA, or for those making below 450 whp. The Sport 6-Puck we offer uses the same pressure plate but a 6-Puck disc for those looking to drag race. The 6-Puck disc still offers a smooth clutch engagement with the ability to hold a little more power and take abuse.

Our Max Street uses a heavier duty pressure plate to support over 600 BHP that utilizes the same "Street" disc. Followed by the Max 6-Puck.
Our crown jewel is our newly released High 5 clutch. It uses an ultra-light disc to enhance better shifting performance. By doing this one will make it easier for the transmission to get into the next gear. The weight of the disc greatly affects the transmission's ability to do this. Amazingly enough this solid disc provides smooth engagements with barley any chatter. A majority of our customer who choose this clutch daily drive on it. This is the clutch currently on our 370Z TT. This clutch will hold 750whp!

http://www.specialtyz.com/images/z34...cinstalled.jpg

http://www.specialtyz.com/images/z34...yinstalled.jpg

Onto the bearing! The first problem encountered with using an aftermarket clutch is that the OE bearing diameter was no where big enough to properly make contact to the pressure plate's fingers. Secondly a majority of the CSC is plastic which gives way as it ages or sees higher pressure plate clamp loads. Fortunately we also designed our pressure plates to NOT require large amounts pressure to release them which spares the bearing any more strain.
http://www.specialtyz.com/images/z34...ginstalled.jpg

http://www.specialtyz.com/images/z34...ginstalled.jpg

Our bearing upgrades will ONLY work on our clutch\flywheel combos. The bearing we are using required us to change the finger height versus the finger height on a factory assembly. This is the reason it won't work on other aftermarket clutches and would also deter others from copying it. The cost of our upgraded bearing is $160 which would be included in our kit.

As a special introductory offer to the370z.com members we will be offering reduced package pricing.
I want to thank the entire Z community for its support and amazing people over the last 10 years.

Packages include clutch disc, pressure plate, flywheel, bearing, pilot bushing, and clutch alignment tool. Proud to say it's all made in the USA!

Sport Street Package: $915

Sport 6-Puck Package: $1015

Max Street Package: $1080

Max 6-Puck Package: $1140

High 5 Package: $1140


If you have any questions please feel free to PM me.

Looks great, anyone else in the community testing this package for you guys as a secondary outsider.

Nice! i like it. But what happens for those who have already purchased clutches and flywheels?

Yes, we also have another in testing right now.

You have PM.

I'd say wait until you have an issue and fix it when its broken. I'm sorry, I know how it is to buy "double" parts.

what about issues with the master cylinder, like in this thread:

http://www.the370z.com/engine-drivet...rtunately.html

We'll need to see this first hand and address it as required. If the issue starts popping up like the black plague we must find a fix. Right now it can be a faulty OE part, also the release required on other aftermarket pressure plates may be too great.

Hmm... Sport Street vs. Sport 6-puck paired with GTM Stage 1.

I'm not much of a racer, so the TT'd car will be a daily driver with a bit of spirited driving every once in awhile.

I've been watching that same post. Thats exactly why i'm just going to wait for a company to make an aftermarket slave cylinder or for nissan to address the issue if its a faulty OEM.

It looks like it takes a while for it to go bad so the car that are testing it this combo wont feel any probelms later if there are any. I hope not cuz Sz look like they know what there doing. I'm sure someone is going to make an aftermarket master slave cylinder.

Is that a solid ring on the flywheel? Hard to tell from pic's. Hopefully with the proper engagement you guys wont have the CSC problems. I guess time will tell. GL

The ring gear? Yes it is one piece.

Pros/cons of the high 5 package over sport street for a NA daily driven car?

There have been several reports of the CSC failing with aftermarket clutches and I know of a few that have happened that have not been reported. Its gonna happen eventually unless you make anew csc from scratch...

Just got home from chatsworth, Hi guys I'll just introduce myself here in this thread. I'm testing the High 5 on my 2007 Z33 (HR motor) me and Seb installed the clutch and flywheel combo today. ( I live 108 miles away from SZ) my car has seen 56K miles and allot of them where going to the track and to the grocery store. if you guys have any questions about how the clutch feels or any details you guys feel free to ask me or Seb. Today i Installed the clutch and drove it all the way from Chatsworth California to Perris California. I drove through LA traffic on the very first day i got the clutch meaning stop and go traffic, up hills down hills and clear highways.

the high 5 has very minimal chatter but I think what makes it more noticeable is the Nismo GT Pro LSD. because when i take off from lights on a straight line i have no chatter. clutch pedal feel is not that much heavier than stock and there is no flywheel noise at idle or low RPM's like all other Aluminum flywheels. driving is very pleasant. the shifting at high RPM's is very noticeable before i could not slam through the gears like i can now. rev matching is a breeze, this combo over all changed the car. it feels awesome. if you guys plan on modifying your 370's I say just go with the High 5 and never have to worry about if your clutch will hold the power. because this combo is very comfortable to daily drive.

oh how can i forget, if you guys have any questions feel free to ask me or Seb, I'm so Far the only other Authorized Installer. and setting up my vendor account as I type
-Juan

You'd want to go with the Max Street setup.

As of right now, we will see how well the masters and slaves will be holding up with our setup. If there is an issue that causes them to fail because of aftermarket clutches we will investigate it and do what we can to come up with a solution. Luckily our pressure plates do not demand a tremendous amount of pressure to release helping take the load off the hydraulic system. There was never a proper solution to the slave bearing & assembly out there until now.

I also want to double check whether the upgraded CSC is included with the price. Thanks! :tup:

Yes sir it is!

:tup:

personally I would love to see a upgraded master and slaves made. Mainly for the simple fact peace of mind. these cars are still fairly new and the age of upgrading the clutch is coming, and it is going to get big. Alot of people are already showing interest in upgrading them but are compelled to wait due to the issues others have had. We all know the problem exist and we know there is a demand for it so why not make it and add it as a optional package?

I must say though they look great, you would have my attention and wallet open if there was a replacement for the parts that have failed on others cars from upgrading.
Frank

Pros you wont EVER have to worry about clutch not being able to hold the power even if fully built for N/A power, Drifting, Drag racing, No clutch chatter, light weight and easy on the trans.

Cons: Overkill for N/A Daily Driven power and slightly shorter life span due to puck clutch instead of full face.

if you really plan to just daily the car get the Sport Street you will absolutely love it I guarantee it. if you plan to track the car or have spirited driving from time to time, I would recommend the Sport 6-puck.

wait...Is this fix just a ring over csc or a full metal replacement of the csc? If it is just a ring over the csc, technically the problem is still not solved. You just bought more time for the ticking bomb.

After reading this thread it seems that the upgraded bearing that you have created may be the key answer to all the other issues that other Aftermarket Clutch maunfactures were encountering with the whole CSC issue...it looks very promising, but like toner123 posted...I am one of those that are still on the fence because of all the issues other aftermarket clutches have had concerning the CSC...

Please do not get me wrong...this clutch system seems to have all the right answers...and if all goes well with future reviews, I will oin toner123 in opening up my wallet to acquire one...The price is reasonable...especially if no problems are encontered...however with the way the economy is right now, I would find it very difficult to cope with spending that kind of money and face the same issue that other aftermarket clutches have faced conerning the CSC.

I was reading your first l post with the introductory purchase and did not see this listed as one of the parts with the combo package...Can we get a break down and some pics of the upgraded CSC that your company manufactures?

It's not just a ring but a replacement of the complete bearing and sleeve the bearing goes over and seal presses into.

You can see a picture of it below the factory installed unit. For those on the fence worried about the rest of the hydraulic system giving out you can wait and see what happens to see how things play out.

I haven't read the whole thread just the first post. Am I correct in believing that the SZ bearing means that you won't need an aftermarket CSC (which currently doesn't exist)?

I think your product and pricing look good but Killer Bee and a few others have documented the weakness in the CSC. Not to start an argument but your response means that the purchaser of this clutch is assuming a lot of risk. I appreciate your confidence in your product, but that won't cover the bill for a new CSC.

Well, we've done something no one has at this point. We've replaced part of the factory CSC. People will need upgraded clutches and if required we will do what we can if our version of the modified CSC fails.

well i put my first track event on it last night. local time attack here at AMP did the first 2 sessions (2 hours) and it felt great no problems yet, drifting tomorrow, and maybe some tonight as well.

Just clocked in 1000 miles last night, so car absolutely no problems clutch grabs just as hard as it did when it was new. it has 4 street drift sessions, 1 time attack session, and all the daily driving and stop and go traffic LA, and Riverside have to offer.

Awesome! Thanks for updating me and everyone else.

*Quietly Watching*

anyone doing the speed ventures event this weekend? i will be there if you guys want to feel the clutch and take a test drive on it yourselves. ;)

i would love to test how the clutch feels. i cant make it to that event though. this looks interesting though

Sounds good so far! I hope Sebbie you got this $hit figured out!! Still watching.............

Doin my best! :driving:

Hope someone listens to this ....... Sam are you out there????? Stillen, JWT ........Anyone listening????

if you are ever in the area feel free to PM me or email me Juan@bardabe.com

Looks like i wont be making it to speed ventures this weekend. my friend is getting married that day and I completely forgot about it haha whoops.

We're addressing what seems to be the failures and weak links in the system. If we have problems we will get right back up and fix it. So far so good. CSCs are more present now in newer cars not limited to Nissans. We've found that other manufacturers have the same issue. A hard plastic that the seal goes up against. So far this fix used on other platforms is working great. What's happening is that this plastic portion is fatiguing from the heat, wear, and extra release required on aftermarket pressure plates. If it distorts or cracks like it is you have this issue of failing OE CSCs on aftermarket clutches. We've addressed the two main issues we believe to be the culprit. We are listening!

Seb

Definitely put some hard miles on it. IIRC, I heard of CSCs failing on daily driven cars with or without aftermarket clutches.

How about clutch shudder? I didn't have this issue with my '03 350Z (with '06 transmission).

I am, I know for sure lol been doing some illegal activities with it and so far its held up great. I'm a clutch kick ninja Drifting 285 and 275's on an N/A HR lol Clutch Shudder? hmm it's hard for me to say because I have a Nismo GT Pro LSD so that's always making all the noise, but every time i go to get off the light the clutch is very generous no shaking or crazy noises its very very slip able and Daily Drivable. its a very pleasant clutch to drive on specially knowing it'll hold all the power it does and the pedal not being heavy.

I';ve driven all sorts of clutches on other customer cars

Exedy, ACT, Clutch masters, OS Gikken, etc etc. and all those clutches feel like an On/Off switch. very harsh and stiff pedal. this clutch engages unbelievably nice and comfortable.