Clutch replacement - supplier options (turbo)

[Woodnutz78]

First off, thanks for what y'all have on here - everything is a huge help. Please bear with me as I get acclimated to the forum.

I bought my Z a couple of months ago, and dealt with it only running on 5 cylinders until a couple of weeks ago... first off, holy poop, what a difference! Anyhow, prior to running on all cylinders, I'd noticed the clutch slipping at higher RPM in 3rd gear. Now, obviously, it'll slip under WOT at about 3,000rpm in 2nd - it's fairly manageable at least for now. With that, here comes my question: Who would you recommend acquiring parts from? My first purchase of plugs and intake from Z1 had no issue, but I've heard less-than-great testimonies about them. Conversely, I've heard great things about Specialty Z.

I did a price comparison between the two, and wound up with about a $200 difference. Here's what I have in each cart:
- Street clutch kit (mild performance/sport street)
- Flywheel
- MT pilot bushing
- Throw out bearing
- Alignment tool
- Rear main seal
- MT input shaft seal
- MT rear seal
- Shifter bushings
- SS clutch line

Specialty Z comes in higher - granted I've yet to call them about the order, this is just from the online prices. That being said, most of the gripes I've heard about Z1 have to deal with order accuracy/timing issues. Aside from that, are any of you aware of quality/reliability issues with the Z1 clutch kit? I'm running factory boost right now and the only upgrade I plan to make in that regard is to up the boost to 15psi... eventually. I have no plans on changing turbos.

Thanks in advance - any advice is greatly appreciated... as well as any other recommendations for "while you're in there" type things.

[NolimitZ32]

All of the big name suppliers (Z1, SZ, CZP, IPP, etc.) will have a mix of the same stuff at about the same prices. One company that is pretty big in the clutch game that is not sold by any of those vendors (at least not that I know of) is Southbend Clutch/DXD Clutch. For all other related parts I've had good luck with all of the above mentioned vendors but apparently as you mentioned a few of our folks here have had issues with one in particular recently. My personal recommendation for a clutch would be the SZ/RPS Max Street (for bigger turbos) or Sport Street (for a bolt-on car with stock snails)

[Woodnutz78]

Thanks for the reply and info, NolimitZ32 - I'll look back at CZP and IPP also. I had originally omitted them since I remembered their prices being higher when I made comparisons for other items previously (yes, I'm aware nothing will be inexpensive on this car). I wouldn't mind throwing some business at IPP, as I'm an H-town boy myself... just moved away a long time ago. With not going for big HP numbers (anything that would require larger turbos), I'd like to save money where I can, but in the same respect, buying junk is not an option. SZ came very highly recommended from a reputable Z mechanic in Ohio. As I mentioned, just trying to gather opinions base on all of y'all's experience. Thanks again...

[Woodnutz78]

I have to agree with your signature quote, bro. I installed a new head unit (still had the factory Bose when I got it), and find myself driving with it soft enough that I can barely hear the music or off completely. The music this car makes on it's own is the sweetest.. and nastiest all at once.

[Ace2cool]

FWIW, I spent most of my money on my build at Z1. That being said, what I did buy from SZ was amazing as far as customer service goes. Z1 has gotten too "corporate" from where they came from. As far as online orders go, they'll be just fine, but from now on, I'm going to be doing a majority of my business with SZ just based off the awesome guys that run the place.

[itsa300zx]

My opinion and dealings with listed vendors.

SZ and IPP are A+ for me, never had an issue with them. I would go with SZ sport clutch kit.

COZ is good to, only a couple minor issues but were delt with quickly

Z1 never again.

Joe at zspeed also has a great selection of clutches.

[NolimitZ32]

IPP is often overlooked being small, But I've dealt with Kyle personally, got all my internal build parts from him in person, he's more than fair and will help you where he can (much like the guys at SZ).

[Woodnutz78]

Thanks, guys - I appreciate the opinions. I do still have some time until I need to do the work on the clutch. In fact, the 120k service is due for me in about 2500 miles - that'll be the first major work of the winter.