My Clutch/Flywheel Story

[C-Kwik]

Your clutch is dead after 2-3 years?

[Sentientbydesign]

Your clutch is dead after 2-3 years?

I'm on my 3rd combo (1st two weren't my doing).

Tampa,

I'd say buy my flywheel, but you mentioned the big rig issue lol.

[joe603]

I have to have the clutch done in my G35... The tech said that I needed to go stock clutch replacement. What do you guys think I should do. I don't want the G to sound like a big rig!

DJ

The clutch itself does not cause any extra noise. The chatter sound is from our transmission gears. The OEM dual-mass flywheel helps to quiet the chatter...but it's really heavy. I wish I could say that it won't...but there is no way of knowing what a lightweight, solid aftermarket flywheel will do.

Here are the pro's and con's of doing a flywheel/clutch replacement with aftermarket parts:

Pros:

- Much cheaper!!!! The OEM flywheel is around 900 and the clutch is around 600. You can replace both for under 1k aftermarket. I found my clutch/flywheel combo for $750.

- An aftermarket clutch will hold much better than OEM. Depending on the "stage" you go with...my stage 4 is 150-300% increase in torque capacity than the OEM clutch.

- If you've ever experienced the dreaded clutch pedal to the floor when dropping the clutch at high RPMs....an aftermarket setup will fix this.

- A lightweight flywheel transforms the car...it will climb RPMs quicker and slow down quicker.

Cons:

- The noise...it most likely will be louder than OEM if you replace the dual-mass flywheel.

- Lightweight flywheels make the engagement tricky...it will take some getting used to.

- Resale...unless you trade it in, selling the car will be harder if you let a buyer test drive the car. (unless they understand performance mods)

[Sentientbydesign]

The clutch you choose does make a difference in the noise and engagement. Not the idle noise, but the engagement noise. A very sticky, high-stage clutch (especially the pucked variety) will grab and release somewhat violently. I was telling my wife about Joe's ordeal and she said (para-phrased) No duh! Of course the racing clutch isn't going to be smooth. It needs to grab when drag racing.

I'm glad she gets the idea even if Joe didn't think about it (just messin with you).

My quote on an OEM flywheel was $1200. I guess every dealer's price will vary, but a complete dealership clutch/flywheel replacement will likely put you back $2300-$2600.

I'm beginning to believe that the lighter weight clutches are just inherintly (SP) loud where as the heavier ones seems a little quieter. This makes logical sense, but logic doesn't always dictate facts lol.

[joe603]

Lets be clear. I don't have engagement noises...I have a chatter when the car is idling in neutral with the clutch engaged (pedal up).

As for the tricky starts, either it's breaking in or I'm getting better. Not really a big issue anymore.

I would bet cash that if I put on a different aftermarket clutch/flywheel (such as JWT or RPS it would make the same noise. The noise comes from the transmission gears.

here is a good link for OEM parts: http://www.trademotion.com/par...gid=1

[Sentientbydesign]

I've had both the JWT and the RPS on my car and the RPS isn't making as much or any noise by comparison to the JWT. We have the same year, same transmission G. So the likelihood that your transmission has more gear play than mine is very slim. Especially since I have more miles on mine than you do yours.

[joe603]

So the JWT flywheel was 14lbs...and your RPS is 17lbs. Do you remember what the Competition Clutch flywheel weighed?

I'll have to get the camera and post a video of the chatter.

[Sentientbydesign]

I find this information hard to believe, but the competition clutch website says that the STU flywheels (which it shows for the G/Z) range between 8-10lbs. That's ridiculously light.

[joe603]

My flywheel weighs 14.11

Sorry for jumping in late on this, but just ran across the thread...the weight on the competition clutch flywheel is 14.11 lbs

Modified by Jennifer@CCI at 9:00 AM 12/15/2008

[Jacko3]

Nate:

Since I adjusted my OEM clutch pedal to grab more quickly, its all about clutch and dump. All I want is a short engagement clutch that allows me to dump it as quickly as possible so that I can shift as fast. Clutch and dump works well so long as the clutch grabs well---very well. Trying to clutch the G gently under normal driving is a frustrating experience even with OEM clutch. I still beleive the G was not designed for gentle clutch and release technique. Just my 2 cents.