I would like to start at subject on BIG POWER clutches, as it looks like some have been dissapointed with "slipping" situations on new assemblies...

Tomfromthenorth example recently is the risk I could face, and if ordering a clutch for self assembly, the involvement in return and exchange could be a difficult one!

 

My experience on Z32 "boosted power type" is first from the red 300ZX TT from Gary (RIP) that I brought back to France.

The engine was fully modified and Dyno runs were showing 505 Bhp at wheels.

I never had any problem with clutch sliding, so I looked at the invoices to find the type installed.

The model is a RPS Carbon-Carbon twin disk model, fully appropriate... but expensive!

 

The second one is the white caged Z32 from Rob/Boomin33 that I brought back to France end of last year.

The engine is even more modified for a realistic target aiming 600 Bhp+, and Dynoed at 545 Bhp at the wheels as is.

The car was having some issues that have been solved before the Spa Classic week-end mid May.

Spark plugs changed to get a good 6 cylinders work, Connections to injectors and coils checked, and the engine was fine.

Adjustment on the Motec management to avoid big black cloud on boost and overall -3% injection time still keeping good and safe AFR values.

Brake pads changed on the front (AP Racing calipers) and on the back (Nissan original ones)

And finally a change of tires to get the power transfer instead of immediate slides from the back when the power was coming.

The tires were old, cracked and dried... so there wer slipping instantly. The RS-R Federal ones are now really changing the situation for the best!

 

Now, because of this better power transfer, instead of the tires sliding, I am now with a clutch sliding situation!

I then looked at the history of parts assembled, and I could find successive changes that show that the matter was an issue since the engine mods...

1999: DF Clutch installed by Torque developpments Intnl

2000: Quote for HKS clutch/Flywheel 2P/Push 2604-RN026 (twin plate)

2002: RPS Clutch kit installed by SE Nissan Ltd

2004: Installation by Torque development of HKS 2P/Push Clutch Package quoted above

2007: Change of Clutch for RPS type + Flywheel by STech UK Ltd

The HKS twin plate was the right one for the power, but it was really not streetable according to Rob who took the decision to change it.

 

This shows that the two right choices to avoid slipping under high torque are twin plates Clutches.

I can confirm that the RPS Carbon-Carbon is just like a standard clutch in terms of pedal action, and it is totally usable on the street.

The HKS is NOT the same smooth action and use from the comments and decision to change it...

 

Questions:

1. RPS Carbon-Carbon twin disk is the easyest solution... but prices are on the VERY high side! Is it justified?

2. Is there any single disk clutch offering similar safety for slippage when we talk about 550 Bhp and torque figures up to 600 foot pounds of torque?

3. I have been oriented to the SZ 5 Puck Clutch shown there: http://www.importpartspro.com/rpsni30ttmax1.html It looks like it is capable of standing the power and torque, but is it really streetable? I have been told also that puck types are more brutal...

4. RPS is not the only one to propose twin disk clutches. I have seen Competition Clutches, Exedy, etc... Any opinion on comparisons and experience?

 

Thanks for you feedback as the choice is wide!

RPS Carbon - Carbon on mine, never had a problem, and easy to use.

 

Otherwise you need to look at other twin/triple disc setups from the likes of HKS/ Os Giken, Exedy etc

 

RPS Street Max is rated for your power, but since it's your track car I would be more tempted to go for the above! I have no experience of the puck type so can't help there

Might be worth talking to this guy also Hubert.

 

http://www.300zx.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?173743-About-Competition-Clutch-Uk-amp-Europe&highlight=performance+clutch

PS I have an OS 2 plate that's been refurbished on another car I picked up for parts. You're welcome to try that?

I know you have read my long xtd post but the competition clutch I have now works fine. I think I could pick up a girl in the car and hide the fact that it has a clutch like a light switch If I am really careful. It's not unbearable and totally totally normal after you have pulled away, the light flywheel makes rolling changes 'more' forgiving. The one I am using is good for 650bhp. I don't know exactly which one off their site but its a sprung 6 puck.

Thanks Jaffa---> MP regarding the OS twin plate...

Gary, thanks for the link: I will definitely have a chat with Andy at CC clutches. This will join the experience from Tomfromthenorth with the 6 puck version on springs.

 

RPS Carbon-Carbon is the leader considering my other red Z32 experience and Jaffa confirmation.

I want a reliable solution keeping in mind the power and the track use (even if occasional).

Another personal consideration is the smooth pedal action...as years of driving have killed my back and left leg! Getting old improves experience but has other negative sides...

 

Any other experience from big power Zmen? :detective: :cool3:

i got an exceedy twin on my car rated for 1100hp there abouts .. putting 301hp :whistling: throu it and its fine but is like a switch tho

i got an exceedy twin on my car rated for 1100hp there abouts .. putting 301hp :whistling: throu it and its fine but is like a switch tho

 

It's good to keep some flexibility for engine power improvements! :thumbup1:

So the switch type is not so easy for street drive: This is similar to the HKS I suppose...

Have you any comparison to make with the Competition Clutch from Tomfromthenorth?

Edited June 5, 201411 yr by Hub280ZX

toms comp clutch was ok for what it is and price ... Puk clutchs are well known for the snatchy bite but not yo bad to live with

bit of a compromise really you want a strong clutch you loose the driveabllity of it

I drove Tom's car this afternoon and, while his clutch is more "switchlike" than a standard one, it's not completely "on-off"... there is some progression in it, but it took me a little getting used to! :)