G35 Clutch Opinions

[KyuubisBlade]

Hey! I bought a 2004 G35 sedan in November with 73000 miles on it. Since then I've put about 3000 miles on it, and the clutch is beginning to slip.It is currently stock though I do intend to put some aftermarket parts on it in the future(350z intake tube, high-flow cats+ muffler, performance plugs+wires, and a basic tune to pull it all together). I wanted some opinions on whether I should get another factory clutch, or if a OE kit from Valeo/GripForce is better or worse than stock, or maybe suggest a reasonably priced alternative(please help by posting a link).

Thanks a ton!

Valeo clutch kit: http://www.clutchstar.com/product/valeo ... an-3-5l-v6

[AZhitman]

Welcome aboard!

I'm not too familiar with that clutch, but I do know I've had 3 SPEC clutches and have had great luck with them.

Here's a start, you may want to check with them and see what they have available: http://www.nicoclub.com/archives/choosi ... initi.html

Talk to David or Shelly and tell them you're a member here.

[joe603]

I put on a clutch from forged performance. I don't remember the brand, but I do remember that the weight of the flywheel will make a huge difference in if you get the dreaded chatter. The OEM flywheel is a dual-mass design...most aftermarket are single mass and much lighter. The benefit to the lightweight flywheel is much faster engine responsiveness.

As for the clutch, stage 1 should be good with minor mods.

[KyuubisBlade]

Alright, well to start I currently don't have the dreaded chatter I've heard about...

so how about this?- http://www.andysautosport.com/infiniti/ ... 42590.html

[KyuubisBlade]

Aahhh dammit... After reading Hitmans' link, I guess I can expect to have ta look for a new flywheel too. Unfortunately I don't think I can afford a new clutch, flywheel and labor. So now I really don't know when I'll be able to have it replaced. BTW Thanks for the help, and please continue posting recommendations and advice so once I do have the funds I might have a clearer picture of what I want for the G35.

[AZhitman]

Keep in mind, the dual-mass flywheel won't play nice with the unsprung (or is it sprung?) clutch. Learned my lesson there.

You MAY not need a new flywheel, but on a G, I recommend keeping the stock one. I ran a lightweight FW on my supercharged G for about a month and pulled it back out. Hated it.

[KyuubisBlade]

After doing some reading on the forums, It seems that the ACT streetlite 17.9 lbs flywheel is about when the dreaded chatter appears... So I am looking for a resurfacable flywheel a little lighter then stock but at least 20 lbs and maybe still a single mass. I also read about an OE dual mass that is serviceable at 27 lbs. Since I have time before I can afford it anyway, I will continue to research and hopefully hear what others have installed to find the best choice for me.

[audtatious]

Good deal. Post what you find and the outcome/success of the swap.

[AZhitman]

I really liked the OEM flywheel with a little more aggressive clutch.

Just make SURE you check to see if they're compatible - Like I said before, some aren't - and it's hell to drive.

[joe603]

Agree with Greg...hated the lightweight flywheel. I found myself purposely riding the clutch to not have the embarrassing chatter at a light or a drive-though. BUT, the engine was WAY more responsive and fun to drive...your call.

[AZhitman]

Mine did nothing for 1/4 mile time, so it's more of a butt - dyno improvement.

[KyuubisBlade]

Well just to give an update, after a month or so with no issues, I got a bit too ambitious only to discover the clutch barely holds in 5th and 6th. Pretty much gotta replace it in the next week or two. Need to ask a few questions, and see what I can scrape up for funds, and figure out if I can use the FX100 kit from clutch masters or if I should stick with stock for now.... Will post my findings shortly.

[audtatious]

Mine did nothing for 1/4 mile time, so it's more of a butt - dyno improvement.

The clutch in your G was a b**** when I drove it. I was like WTF! and that was before you SC'd it.

[KyuubisBlade]

Just found out the FX100 kit is sprung, so I will pull the trigger on it today and hopefully get it installed next week!

[KyuubisBlade]

Finally! New clutch installed! I went with the FX-100 kit, and stock flywheel. Loving the combo so far. the Install went relatively smooth, with only 1% drama- The ball barring for the fork broke off in the housing, but came out easily. Got a replacement that day and bolted it all together. total cost:$926 (Clutch kit 427.50(free shipping took 8 days); labor/misc parts 498.50) Only one issue- though the clutch fully disengages with the pedal pushed to the stop, as soon as the pedal moves back it starts to engage and is fully engaged after only an inch of travel. I once read that there is some adjustment at the pedal, anyone know about that?

[KyuubisBlade]

Update! after a few weeks, the clutch engagement has moved a touch further in. It really feels like the stock clutch unless you dump it, and I am quite happy with the new kit. I will post again if I run into any issues, but for now at least I plan on focusing on my other goal of getting a motorcycle before I continue modding the G.

[AZhitman]

The ball barring for the fork broke off in the housing, but came out easily.

Common problem. There's actually a more beefy one (NISMO version), most dealers should be able to get it.