Ok...from the start about a year ago my clutch went out because my friend who was watching the house can't drive worth crap...so I took that time to get an ACT Street modified organic street clutch...holy crap I love this clutch...but had the stock flywheel. Here is where I run into problems. So, I have three questions that I was wondering if I could get some help from some other Maxima enthusiast!!!

1) Let my friends take it out street racing every Friday and Saturday night...when I'm not up to it..and they can't get enough of it because they enjoy kicking the crap out of GT, 5.0's, twin turbo stealth's...but obviously someone doesn't know how to drive because when I got in the car this last week...the clutch is fading it will get up and go when in gear and you slam on the gas but let's say your on full throttle get to the shift release the gas shift and full throttle again...it does the classic failing clutch...It revs up and slowly grabs...and then you take off. So, I'm guessing it is definitely the clutch. But could it possibly be the flywheel...because I still had an OEM flywheel???

2) Is it worth getting the aluminum flywheel when I buy the new clutch???

3) I've been looking through sites trying to find good deals on clutches any good ideas on that??? Any good deals you guys know about would be greatly appreciated.

4) Is there anyone else that is running a ACT 4 or 6 puck...I here that it is harsh engagement...and typically not for street use...but is a metallic clutch and works better when heated up. And I don't want my clutch to fail again...so I was thinking that this might be a better route. Plus, I'm going to be getting a supercharger in the near future. So any input on that clutch or if you know pro's and con's would be greatly appreciated.

5) And just a general question...I can't remember before I got the ACT clutch but for all you 5 spd. Maxima drives can you shift into first when your going...Because when street racing it would be nice to be able to downshift to 1st to drag it out but ever since I've had the new clutch I wasn't able to It would just grind...so I always just thought it was a thing that Nissan put in the car so you couldn't accidentally kill the engine...but I want to make sure that not being able to shift into first isn't just my car.

Thanks for your help

 

I am having the same problem. But I had a Centerforce Dual Friction only for a year and it went on me. I have to find one with the next couple of days. I don't know what to get cause I don't want start paying 600 bucks every year for a new clutch.

 

Don't blame your friends for not knowing how to drive. Racing is hard on a clutch and it just plain wore out. If you want your clutch to last a long time, don't race. If you want your Maxima to last a long time, don't race.

 

I do not know exactly how to diagnose a glazed clutch, aside from dropping it and looking at the disc itself, but it sounds like that may be your problem. Either way, it's not a good scenario. I, for one, would not let my friends race my car, or even drive it for that matter, because I'm too poor to replace my clutch every year, and I hold others responsible for damage that occurs while it is in their hands, as I hold myself responsible for damage that occurs to someone else's property while in my care. I know that sounds stingy, but that is the way it has to be sometimes, to protect yourself, as well as your relationship with your friends. A wise man once said, (I believe it was Sam Levinson), "before borrowing money from a friend, decide which one you need more." I think this may be a point you need to consider, especially after your recent mishaps. Good luck with your clutch, and your friends.

Lee

ps. Daniel has a good point. If you want parts to last, treat them with care, otherwise, anticipate these kinds of mishaps and save up for them, or you may be walking....and although 5.0s are slow, I don't think you'll beat them on foot.

 

I wasn't trying to show blame...that was sarcastic...I'm a very sarcastic guy...plus my friend admitted to it, and offered to pay to fix it, so I'm not hurt about the clutch. I just wondering what it could be...I was just guessing that the clutch is going...and wondering if it might be a flywheel thing and if any of the other problems or questions I had could be answered, or if anybody had any tips or ideas of where I can find a good deal on the clutch. And of course racing will were out a clutch I'm aware of that but it is just like a starter or any other car part if used incorrectly will were out a whole lot faster. But, I'm just trying to get some help.

 

I'm sorry, I didn't mean for it to come across as a lecture, just trying to share my experience to help you avoid some of the misery I have found in my life. I'm truly sorry if I overstepped my bounds. I realize you were asking for help with your clutch, instead you got a lecture from me, and that's not cool. Sometimes the best intentions do nothing to help the final outcome. I hope you can accept my apology and I still wish you the best with your clutch.

-Lee aka Johhny Lecture


ps. I can relate to the sarcasm, I'm probably the biggest smartass you'll ever meet....it's just so difficult to gauge that on here...whether it be from me or from others. Now, the question you must ask yourself is, "Was his apology sincere?" Good Luck figuring it out.

 

It's not your flywheel per se. I could be glazed over along w/ the disc. In that case, you might try to take it easy for a few weeks but more than likey, you probably have to replace it. You can go w/ a aluminum flywheel for better throttle response but it won't prevent glazing again, if the car is driven hard. When you do get that new clutch, you might consider going to stage II or higher considering the abuse. And make sure the clutch it broken in nice and good before standing on it. Good luck.

 

LOL, I forgive you man...but it is always nice to have someone with wisdom give advice so we don't have to make the same mistakes. And I also agree with you on the sarcasm...it is hard to judge when someone is truly hurt and upset or just joking around.