Getting ready to drop the trans and install a new clutch kit. I have a southbend stage 2 clutch ready to go. While I'm in there I'll be replacing the differential / output seals, as well as the input seal and ring gear etc etc.

Question, did the 99 maxima 5 speed have a solid flywheel? or DMF (Dual mass)?

I'd like to be prepared and have all parts ready before tackling this job. If it's solid I'm going to take it to my machinist for resurfacing. If it's DMF I'll trash it and get a solid. Not a big fan of DMF. I had one fail on me years ago on a VW and I wont take that chance again.

If it is DMF, any suggestions where I can purchase a solid flywheel?

Thanks!

 

It's solid.

 

Thanks JSutter. Much appreciated!

Makes things much easier on my end. I'll just take it to be re-surfaced. (My machinist typically charges about $60.)

Would rather not buy a new solid flywheel (way $$ expensive.)

 

Actually you can get a flywheel cheap.

 

Exactly why I posted the DMF question here. I found those same parts online before I started this thread. Notice the detail: "Replacement Insert For Flexible Flywheel" I question that. Notice there are no center bolt holes to mount to the crankshaft? This looks like a DMF component to me.

I've never heard of a "Replacement Insert For Flexible Flywheel" for a solid flywheel.

 

Why a stage 2 clutch? Are you boosted? If NA, stage 2 seems a bit overkill.

You may want to consider installing a Fidanza lightweight FW if you're into extracting as much performance out of your VQ.

 

The flywheel is made up of multiple parts bolted together. The ring gear, flywheel, and timing ring are all separate pieces. It is confusing until you have the parts in hand. No special tools are required to replace it either.

Technically Nissan says to NOT resurface the flywheel.

it's nothing like a dual mass flywheel.

 

I've done several clutch jobs. I usually replace the clutch when it has just started to slip.

I can usually get away with sanding the flywheel with coarse black silicon carbide or carberundum sandpaper or cloth. It's not much different than resurfacing a brake disk by hand. One could use black silicon carbide sanding disks and a drill.
I usually resurface the clutch disk while it's still bolted to the crankshaft.

 

Good info JSutter , thanks for clarifying. I guess that's why Nissan OEM shows it as an "assembly" which is a bit expensive:

 

Thanks The Wizard. Good question. I did put some thought into it before purchasing the clutch kit.

I'm not boosted, but I'm leaving room for possible lite performance mods (without going too crazy)

The South Bend Stage 2 clutch kit I got is the " K06044-HD-O" which is only one step and 15ft-lbs more than the stage 1 It's my understanding that South Bend achieves this simply by making the friction disk larger for the stage 2 HD-O while maintaining the same pressure plate used for the stage 1 kit. Result = more surface area for gripping = more torque capacity yet easy pedal feel. (stage 1 is 300 ft-lbs, stage 2-O is 315 ft-lbs. South Bend has 3 types of stage 2. I got the least aggressive one. Good for Daily driver, but a notch above stage 1. I figured this should be good for me since I run my car very hard and I need a clutch kit that can handle my abuse.

I installed a South Bend stage 2 HD-O in my 02 Dodge cummins and couldnt be happier. I mean really freaking happy. Worth every penny. The pedal is soo soft and effortless to push (easier than my VW tdi diesel) yet it absolutely grips and holds under severe abuse and ZERO chatter.




My son's dog approves of it, so it must be good.

 

How as the clutch been handling? What did you have in before, oem? Can you describe the differences and if you like them for daily driving? More detail the better please

When I got my 97 I installed exedy oem, works as intended but i've been feeling I would benefit from more grip in my clutch. Stage 1 or stage 2 and how those feel while driving.

 

The Southbend stage 2 clutch is outstanding. The pedal feels like factory, nice and soft but this clutch is extremely well performing. Zero chatter. Does NOT slip no matter what. And let me tell you I am not gentle with this car. In fact I drive it VERY hard every day. Chirping wheels in first and second constantly and pushing to the limit in acceleration and handling.

As far as comparison to the factory clutch, unfortunately, there is no comparison. I don't know what the factory clutch is like. The factory clutch was worn out and slipping when I got the car. So yea, now that I have a robust clutch, it's great to see what this car is capable of. I think the best part is it's klndof a plain jane looking care, but underneath is a very hot and hairy ****** that's ready to play and puts many cars to shame. I regularly blow away hondas and bmw's in speed and performance and it's funny to see the looks on their faces because they think they are hot feces in their flashy new cars and they are not expecting to be outperformed but a regular looking 99 maxima. This car is one of the best performing daily beaters I've ever had.