XTD RB20 Clutch review (SSL)

[hashiriya13]

I am posting this for people who ask about clutchs. I chose this clutch as a temp clutch to last till I can swap the engine out becuase it was cheap. As you will read you get what you pay for.Well to start with when I recieved it, it looked nice, red pressure plate and all. So I installed it in my skyline. This is where I found I had all the correct parts( i have seen post where some have recieved the z tubo parts). Install was a breeze(except getting the worn pilot bushing out). The thing to is the throw out bearing that comes with the kit is larger but worked ok. Well with the install done I drive it and already dont like the feel of the pressure plate. To light not much if any over stock. I personelly like a harder clucth pressure(personal preferance). So I take the time to get around 450-500 miles on it with easy everyday driving for breakin. Then it comes time to try here out. Now before we get to this point I would like to identify some things I dont like already. 1. clutch feel2. the noises (yes I have been around and driven performance and multi plate clutchs and I have not heard some of these noises)3. being that this is supposed to be a racing clutch it engages rather crappy. it should be allot better having the copper 6 puck and supposed racing pressure plate.

Now to the First test I did couple of medium take offs (not much if any controlled clutch slipping) and the wheel bairly spun. Got more out of the stock clutch I just removed. Then comes the time to try a burn out (you know in case I ever do drag race I cant forget how to do a good burn out) well I get to it and all of the sudden I get the smell you know that burning clutch smell. The clutch just slipped for a second before the wheels even spun The RPMs were around 35-4000 when I dumped the clutch. So as far as this clutch goes it is junk (to me) and I will never buy another even though it is cheap. Yes it works, yes its cheap, yes I can still use it till I can do my swap but am I happy NO. Well thats covered. I could also do a write up on the 25 clutchs. I have the ACT full face with HD pressure plate setup on the 25. This one is short. No problems, Love the feel, drivable, raceable and not that much more in price. I should have known better saving a little. Now I know some of you have the XTD setup and like it. Well good for you guys this is just my thoughts on this clutch compaired to other setups I have dealt with. So in closeing I will say remember you get what you pay for.

[Carl H]

hrmmmm weird.back when i did my rb20 swap i put one of these in the car and had NO problems with it whatsoever.whenever i wanted to do a burnout i just revved it up and dumped it and it would spin tires with no problems......

[goofynick6]

Yeah, mine works great and I can shift hard into 2nd and burn all the way thru 2nd. Did you get the right sized clutch? Mine has a very stiff pedal feel, and is meant to hold 500+ ft/lbs of tq, it is 6 puck and sprung so it's not so bad.

I've had better, but I think it's just fine.

Nick

[foCk]

I'm with nick and carl, i've never had any slipping promblems other than the tires

[Cornloaf]

i also have one and it works great for me

[hashiriya13]

I knew there were some of you guys who had this clutch with no problems. When I did the install I checked it all, everthing matched except the throw out bearing. I have installed many clutchs so i know its installed right. This is just How the the clutch is for me. So I posted it. Oh and now I found that redline shifts grinds like the clutch is not engaging fully. I may be switching it back out for a stocker. However I may just change the disk and throw out bearing or get a chromoly flywheel and get a nismo disk. Still up in the air. First i have to get my JCI done this week then add the front mount when the trunk battery kit comes in. all I know is the next stuff will be for the RB and stuff that I know is proven.

[foCk]

perhaps yours is a defect or something is wrong in the hydralic clutch system?

[goofynick6]

Sounds like you either got the wrong model, you installed it incorrectly, or it needs adjustment/bleeding of the hydraulic system.

Nick

[Ramius83]

With saying that you are having a grinding problem when shifting the gears, that does sound hydraulic related. If there was either air in the lines or a faulty hydraulic component, that would cause the clutch to NOT engage properly, and that would cause you to grind the gears.

However, since you ALSO say that you have MAJOR slipping problems with the clutch, I think that either it was improper install technique, or you did get a defective or wrong part. I am NOT blaming you for the install technique, but even I have messed up in the past with clutch installs, and I have done well over 20 installs, ranging from Nissans, to Hondas, to Toyotas, and Fords/Chevys.

[hashiriya13]

This would be the first clutch install problem for me but it could happen. Actually this week I will be doing some work on her, I already planned on changing the gear oil in the trans and diff. I guess I will flush out the clutch system with some new fluid as well just to make sure. If that dont work I will order some new stuff. Its no big deal if I have to change it all out I just went cheaper for a temp clutch setup till I do the swap that and the wife got pregnant right before I bought the car. Tried to save a little money and she is even mad now that I bought cheaper stuff and already got issues. Like I said I will check it out first and I hope I dont have to replace anything but oh well live and learn.

One more thing do you guys ever get a sound loud enought to here inside the car, its kind of like a metal slipping sound? I do sometimes when I first start the car. Its definatly from the clutch. Also at low RPM release I get a jerking like it is trying to engage but cant. I also can hear the springs everytime I push the gas and then when I let off. Not used to that so does it happen on your cars with this kit? Oh well I will check it out to see whats the deal with it.

[Ramius83]

That sounds like the ever so popular clutch chatter. Some clutches get it, and some don't. Hit or miss in this situation. Some get it and others don't.

Does it usually only do this when the car is first started and you are warming up the engine? If so, then it is just clutch chatter and the clutch "warming up", if I can use that phrase. If it continues for a GOOD BIT after the engine has warmed up, there may be something wrong; again, either related to the clutch install or a wrong/defective part.

[hashiriya13]

Yeah but I have heard clutch chatter and this just does not sound right. But it could just be this clutch . Thanks though.

[goofynick6]

Make sure the little valve or whatever inline with the clutch line to the slave cylinder is removed, that slows clutch response and makes it feel soft. Also, bleed it with new fluid, and possibly fill the trans mount with polyurethane from a hardware store. That should make it work great provided you installed correctly.

Also, the clutch pedal may need adjustment.

Nick

[foCk]

One more thing do you guys ever get a sound loud enought to here inside the car, its kind of like a metal slipping sound? I do sometimes when I first start the car. Its definatly from the clutch. Also at low RPM release I get a jerking like it is trying to engage but cant. I also can hear the springs everytime I push the gas and then when I let off. Not used to that so does it happen on your cars with this kit? Oh well I will check it out to see whats the deal with it.

no

[BoostFab]

i tested a 240mm NA 300zx kit from xtd for my other rb20 setup and it didn't fit. i ended up having to use the 225mm clucth instead.

[Takeoff]

That suxs wes. I guess you get what you pay for sometimes. If it works and you plan on getting the swap soon I wouldn't worry about it. I hope everything is working out for ya.

[hashiriya13]

Yes it is working still, have not been able to check it all out but I can drive it. As far as the swap, I will probly be going with the 25 instead of the 26. That way I can build it here get it all tuned and swap it it out with the one in my 240 since it is already setup for a 25. Then I will have two, one built and tuned and an extra to play with or build another 240. Oh and I will be sending you an email this weekend about some part stuff. Later

[Takeoff]

If I were you I would get the 26. Build up the 26 and you can do the same thing you are talking about but w/ a better(in my opinion) and newer motor. You have a chance to get better motors/parts/etc while you are there. You won't get that chance again when you come back.

[hashiriya13]

Yeah I know but its the money thing with the baby coming in Oct. Trying not to piss the wife off to much. I dont know yet nothing is finnal yill I do it.

However back on the clutch. No air in the lines every thing seems correct I just dont like this clutch or it is not working like the ones the rest of you have. So I will beat it to death and when it dies I will change it out with proven parts next time. Now I cant decide to go with a chromoly flywheel and clutch set or get a racing single or duel clutch. If I go with the 26 swap in the end I may go with a twin plate clutch. Well thats that for my experiance with the XTD clutch.

[s13_rb25det]

i tested a 240mm NA 300zx kit from xtd for my other rb20 setup and it didn't fit. i ended up having to use the 225mm clucth instead.

huh? i just ordered the XTD clutch for the 300zx , but how did u manage to get the 225mm clutch?

maybe the RB25 has a slightly larger flywheel and the normal one will fit ?

please feedback guys before I install -> any comments from with real life experience on RB25 & XTD is more than welcome !!