5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003) Learn more about the 5th Generation Maxima, including the VQ30DE-K and VQ35DE engines.

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Old Mar 20, 2006 | 04:48 AM
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clutch

I want to get an oem clutch kit. I also want to get a fidanza flywheel. I know this wouldn't go good because the oem clutch kit has a unsprung (solid) clutch disk.
Would it be ok or would I run into any problems during the install if I got a sprung clutch disk from clutch masters or spec (both stage I)?
Old Mar 20, 2006 | 04:07 PM
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anyone ever think of doing this?

anyone have any experience with clutches that aren't to harsh on our 6speed tranny or doesn't chatter?
Old Mar 20, 2006 | 08:14 PM
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I got a lot of chatter from running the stock flywheel with a sprung clutch disk. Chatter went away when I switched to the Fidanza with the same disk.

If I had to do it over I would go with the OEM or stage 1 clutch, Fidanza flywheel and Aftermarket sprung clutch disk with either organic or kevlar but not segmented.

It would be interresting to see how it drove with the solid disk and flywheel. I would actually try it if the clutch wasn't so much work to change.
Old Mar 20, 2006 | 08:18 PM
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As far as problems with install and fit the pieces should all be interchangeable.
Old Mar 24, 2006 | 06:59 PM
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u think that a spec stage I would be harsh on a fidanza flywheel or the tranny?
Old Mar 24, 2006 | 08:26 PM
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I think the spec stage 1 would be a fine choice with the Fidanza flywheel. It has a sprung disk to absorb the shock so it would be easy on the tranny.

Like I said before, I wouldn't go for more than a stage 1 unless you're planning some serious upgrades with forced induction. That stage 1 disk with a stock pressure plate would be great with the Fidanza too.

I had a stock pressure plate with aftermarket disk in for a short time while sorting out some issues with the aftermarket parts. I took it to the track and was barking the tires shifting into third with drag radials. The stock pressure plate I was using had over 90,000 miles on it too. The only thing new was the disk.
Old Apr 18, 2006 | 08:20 AM
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What clutches are available for the 02-03 6spd?

ACT's website doesn't offer one for us?

vnt
Old Apr 18, 2006 | 08:39 AM
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A 350Z clutch will work as well. If a company doesn't have one for us they will probobly have one for the 350Z. That's what I have and it works with no modification.
Old Apr 18, 2006 | 10:39 AM
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Derrick that is a very useful tip, I wouldn't have thought that a Z clutch would work eventhough it's the same block. I'm sure that gives us a lot more options. Does anyone else have a 350Z clutch? Are you running a stock Z clutch, if not what brand of clutch do you have?
Old Apr 18, 2006 | 11:01 AM
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Originally Posted by maxspeedse02
Derrick that is a very useful tip, I wouldn't have thought that a Z clutch would work eventhough it's the same block. I'm sure that gives us a lot more options. Does anyone else have a 350Z clutch? Are you running a stock Z clutch, if not what brand of clutch do you have?

I plan to get the ACT Clutch. HD PP and Street Strip disc, good for suposidly 520 ft lb of tq.

vnt
Old Apr 18, 2006 | 12:37 PM
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Yeah I've done some searching for clutch kits for the 02-03 6spds and have found nota. Nissan seems to be a bit like GM in they use the samething for everything in some manner. If the 350Z clutch is the same then in thoery I should be able to look up the clucth part number at say a local part store, and then look up the part number for the max. and they should be the same.
Old Apr 18, 2006 | 09:01 PM
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my clutch

help a 5th gener out!
lookin to get a stage2 for my 2000 5 spd, im lookin to mod in the future cams, induction etc. however does anyone know of a good make of clutch? or should i just do oem again with stage 1.
Old Apr 19, 2006 | 05:53 AM
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any comments on these (clutchmasters stage1):
http://www.clutchmasters.com/shop/?p...632&AppID=5528
(clutchmasters stage3):
http://www.clutchmasters.com/shop/?p...632&AppID=5529
stage1 looks to be the best oem replacement. can anybody here with clutch experience elaborate on good/bad points of each one of these?

spliff_star91: do yo roll good spliffs?
Old Apr 19, 2006 | 06:10 AM
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Originally Posted by chr0nos
any comments on these (clutchmasters stage1):
http://www.clutchmasters.com/shop/?p...632&AppID=5528
(clutchmasters stage3):
http://www.clutchmasters.com/shop/?p...632&AppID=5529
stage1 looks to be the best oem replacement. can anybody here with clutch experience elaborate on good/bad points of each one of these?

spliff_star91: do yo roll good spliffs?
I have the Cluthmaster stage 3. It grips like crazy but is a stiff pedal. I also had to remove it and have it balanced because of a bad vibration. That was a pain in the a$$. If I had to do it again I would do the stage 1 and have it balanced before instaling. Actualy I would probably do the 350Z stock clutch with a kevlar unsprung disk and keep my Fidanza 15 pound flywheel.
Old Apr 19, 2006 | 09:53 AM
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does it grip higher or lower? is the pedal travel shorter with the stage 3?
Old Apr 19, 2006 | 11:00 AM
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Originally Posted by chr0nos
does it grip higher or lower? is the pedal travel shorter with the stage 3?
The contact point is very close to the floor but I stil haven't adjusted it since the install. The point from feeling friction and being fully engaged is very small. That combined with the stiffer pedal make it more of a challenge to drive smoothly. I think I would enjoy the stage 1 or 2 more.

It is pretty cool to be able to bark the tires shifting into 4th gear though. That's with a light flywheel too.
Old Apr 19, 2006 | 12:19 PM
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good info. my friend's 98 altima is like that. is the 350z clutch a direct replacement for our cars?
Old Apr 4, 2007 | 06:19 AM
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bringing this thread from the dead.

I see exedy has made clutch applications for the vq35 now. I've heard great reviews from exedy. Now the question is oem clutch, exedy stage I, or Tilton?
Old Apr 4, 2007 | 12:37 PM
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I just put a exedy stage 1 in my 2K max with the fidanza 12lb flywheel and its great. the clutch is softer then OEM but you can feel where everything is. As for chatter what little there is, its only when I first take off. There is none in any other gears, just dont get centerforce (alot of chatter).
Old Apr 4, 2007 | 05:36 PM
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I know the exedy is great on the 3.0s. Anyone with the 3.5 get an exedy stage I yet. Also anyone buy any fidanza flywheels, I wonder if they corrected the starter gear ring size?
Old Apr 4, 2007 | 08:47 PM
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Originally Posted by inspiredbykev
I know the exedy is great on the 3.0s. Anyone with the 3.5 get an exedy stage I yet. Also anyone buy any fidanza flywheels, I wonder if they corrected the starter gear ring size?
I was just wondering the same thing about the clutch. I'm about tired of the stiff pedal from the stage 3 Clutchmasters and was looking at the exedy OEM or stage 1 clutch.
Old Apr 5, 2007 | 04:51 PM
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whats up derrick,

Did you know the dimensions of the stock ring gear. Cause when I order the fidanza I'm going to call that guy wayne that you mentioned to make sure he puts the correct size ring gear.
Old Apr 5, 2007 | 05:24 PM
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I don't remember the size or number of teeth. I'm sure they've got it straight by now. The way they handled my problem really showed me that they aren't a company that messes around. I'm sure you could still check with Wayne.

BTW check out http://ultrarev.com/Flywheel-c327.html for the flywheel. That's where I got mine. I've been shopping for clutches and these guys have been the cheapest on everything I've been looking at.
Old Apr 6, 2007 | 04:25 PM
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I dont know man. On that website when I was looking at the fidanza flywheel it says Note "Replacement of dual mass flywheel may cause added gear noise." Maybe they didnt fix it and decided to add this note to the customers.
Old Apr 6, 2007 | 07:18 PM
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I'm sure that's not it. The flywheel does make a little more noise on startup but it's not bad at all. That's with any lightened flywheel that replaces a dual mass unit. The noise mine made would turn heads anywhere I was. It was also shredding the teath off the flywheel and wouldn't have lasted long.

There's no reason not to fix it and have it right. It wasn't a design problem. It just had the wrong gear mounted on it.
Old Apr 6, 2007 | 10:23 PM
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Another bit of info I just uncovered after speaking with Dave B. The 3.5 Maxima and 350Z shared the same clutch through 2004. It had 750 kg clamping force. For 05+ the 350Z went to a 1110 kg clamping force clutch while the Max stayed at 750. The 05/06 350Z clutch has the same clamping force as the Exedy stage1 for a lot less. Exedy makes the clutch for Nissan too.

Dave couldn't tell me if they were interchangeable but my research is telling me that they are. I should be able to confirm it Monday. Dave wants around $230 for the clutch/pressure plate for an 05/06 350Z. About the same price as the Maxima parts. The cheapest I could find the Exedy stage1 was $430. It looks like we may have a winner as far as clutch upgrades go and get to stay with a Nissan part from someone who we trust like Dave B.
Old Apr 7, 2007 | 06:52 PM
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Cool, great info. Keep us updated.
Old Feb 12, 2008 | 12:45 PM
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Would all you guys with the exedy stage 1/fidanza combo weigh in on the driveability of the setup and the reliability so far and any other thoughts you may have? Any input I can get is much appreciated cause my clutch is a goner and I need to make up my mind asap on what to do about it. (5sp 00 max).
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