Which clutch company would you go with?

[Rev_D21]

Vehicle:

95 Nissan D21 Short Bed XE, stock. Exhaust to be upgraded, re-profiled camshaft, tunable Stanza U12 ECM.

Driving Conditions:

Daily driver during summer months. 80 mile daily commute on open country roads, some hills. Some time spent on NY thruway at speeds close to 75mph. Minimal stop and go. Some hauling and small trailer pulling.

Driving Style:

Spirited, no donuts or burnouts.

Budget:

$350.00

Which clutch would fit the bill for this scenario? Have any suggestions for any not listed here? Experience with any? The goods? The bads?

***ACT does not make a clutch for my application so suggesting that doesn't do me much good.***

[PEZi]

Spec Stage 2

Great clutch... even if you're not doing burnouts and such... you won't be disappointed in it whatsoever

[Rev_D21]

I am leaning Spec stage 2 but I am not set in stone yet. So many options.

How long have you had yours Ant? How many miles on it?

[seang]

I had a Zoom stage one kit ($115 at the time), and I also had my flywheel resurfaced; it always took the punishment in stride. They don't seem to be a popular choice for some reason, but I had no problems for the 20,000 miles I put on it (I sold the truck by then).

It was definitley better than OEM; one side of the clutch disc was Carbon/Kevlar, and the other side was organic.

I know I wouldn't spend no 350 dollars on a clutch for something as agricultural as my D21, not unless it was turbo'd.
Modified by seang at 11:59 AM 1/11/2010

[PEZi]

How long have you had yours Ant? How many miles on it?

ooo... don't own one for my truck yet... only driven other people's

mine has an unknown clutch installed by the previous owner... i'll get a spec stage 2 for mine when the one i have wears out (assuming they make one for the 720.... *searches google now*)

seriously though... from what i have felt, seen and heard.... best thing for your money

[Desert Rat]

OEM.

[Rev_D21]

Why OEM?

[PEZi]

its like anything else... OEM always works perfect no matter what and is the easiest to install

aftermarket simply adds performance and longevity... but might not 'just work'

i once again want to state i've never heard of any issues with Spec

[Rev_D21]

Just wondering why Desert Rat prefers OEM over the others. I know OEM is a perfect fit and lasts a while, it has all that going for it. It's on the consideration list for sure. Is the Spec2 overkill for what I have now and my future haves? As you can see, I am still in research stages regarding this. I'll have more questions as Spring approaches.

[JC87HB]

maybe he is thinking Fail safe... because OEM will fit 100% and its an DD... Although i have my own question... when starting out in first gear... shifting to any for taht matter.... as the clutch engages the motor i get a grinding sound until its fully released... its not 100% of the time.. but it happens some times... and it kinda feels like its slipping... but im not 100% sure because other times it functions normal...

[seang]

it kinda feels like its slipping

You could very well need a new clutch. Good thing is that there is literally only a handful of bolts involved, and it's especially easier on a 2wd.

[JC87HB]

yup... i think it might be a input shaft bearing... im waiting till summer to do the clutch... i just put mt90 in there lol... also there is a bolt that looks like it sheered off on the bottom of the transmission that keeps it mounted to the bell housing.... Im thinking of a center force clutch for sure!

[Rev_D21]

JC, you have decided on a CF clutch, what sold you on them? I had considered CF but a little research flooded me with many options to consider so I am curious about what you might know.

I am also thinking about lightening the flywheel. Since I will be in there I might as well take care of everything that can be taken care of. Not sure how many HB's have done this so hopefully someone can chime in on this too. Since the truck KA is set up for torque will this hinder the engine or liven it up or have no effect at all? How about combined with a Stage 1 Nismo spec'd camshaft, I'd like to think those two changes might yield a fun engine? How will the powerband be effected with both those changes? Planning possible moves in my head.

Also, JC that noise could be your pilot bearing.

[BronkStang]

from my personal experience with honda's, a lightened flywheel makes the engine quicker to rev, it doesn't actually affect the engine's output and power band, IMO. if you heel toe downshift this faster response is nice. the only downside i've noticed (and the people that have borrowed my car) is the vehicle is easier to stall when starting off, especially with a load. i would say go for grinding the flywheel lighter/or a nismo alum flywheel, but you tow stuff and use the truck as a truck, so just get it cleaned up

[JC87HB]

My friends have the CF 2's and Dual friction CF clutches in there trucks (they use for trailing, towing, DDing) and the extra holding capacity is nice... And you can feel the difference... maybe its just because im sitting on a old Oem clutch..or because the CF is just that much better... but all i know is i like the feel of it... When i do get around to getting it.. i think im going to have the flywheel and pressure plate looked at too. I really need to bleed my hydraulics again... same with the brakes =(

[Desert Rat]

Just wondering why Desert Rat prefers OEM over the others. I know OEM is a perfect fit and lasts a while, it has all that going for it. It's on the consideration list for sure. Is the Spec2 overkill for what I have now and my future haves? As you can see, I am still in research stages regarding this. I'll have more questions as Spring approaches.

My experience is with 4x4s. I've smelled enough burning Centerforce clutch in Automotive Customizers' Xterra on one run to last me a lifetime.

I've got a wholesale OEM parts hookup, and the original clutches in these trucks last a good long time. Why roll the dice with anything else.

[RT22]

OEM know some guys with cars who got aftermarket clutches that work fine but are touchy and not as streetable as stock, and stock holds up well under basic everyday use. Perfect fit best warranty and you know what you are getting, some after markets get to be a pain with their on or off like feel.

[Rev_D21]

This is all great info. So I gather that there may be no need to upgrade from stock after all. How about OEM with a lightened flywheel? Sounds like a good setup. I don't tow as much as one might think. I drive mainly on high speed roads in the country. No off roading. I'd like it to be peppy, I know cutting the flywheel doesn't add more power, it just helps with power transfer. I am now leaning OEM with flywheel work.

[Desert Rat]

A ZX clutch may fit if you're looking for more performance and less clutch fade

[Rev_D21]

Will that work with the KA pressure plate? I should research this a little bit I imagine.

[Desert Rat]

There's a guy on my website with a '98 Frontier 4 banger who was able to adapt ZX parts. Goes by Hillbille over there.