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Clutch Eater

1192 Views 10 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  ThxZ
I've replaced the clutch in my 1985 300zx Turbo 3 times now in less than 2000 miles each time.

There is no leak.

It just smokes them. I smell it.

OEM clutches obviously are not adequate because I have a few mods and I estimate it's around 225hp - 230hp

I need a performance clutch.

Rock Auto does not seem to offer one. I also do not want to develop a huge left leg pumping a mega force clutch.

Anyone know of a clutch kit that's a step up from the OEM junk but not Extreme ?

thx
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So you're buying "OEM" clutches from Rock Auto? Think we've found your problem.
So you're buying "OEM" clutches from Rock Auto? Think we've found your problem.
Are you SURE I said I'm buying clutches from RA ?
Fail.

The last 2 clutches I bought were from Dopey in Forest Park, GA. Both were garbage....or my car is putting down more torque than I think it is.....

Probably garbage clutch kits.


Anyone?
Based off the information you provided, it's a logical conclusion.

http://www.z31parts.com/drivetrain.html
sounds more like riding the clutch or free play not correct. My 85 dyno at 220. stock clutch no problem. If it is smoking the clutch then it is slipping and not engaging properly. Or do you try to beat every honda off the line?
Who's Dopey and why would you buy from him?

Who is the clutch manufacturer? What's the name on the box?

I would also question if you're breaking in the clutch right or if you're pounding on it right off the bat.
We used to use the factory clutch kits in our ITS cars. (White clutch material.) I also used them in my '84 turbo. No problems. If you haven't been rough on the clutch; then you may have hydraulic issues, the throwout bearing sleeve could be hanging up or the disc was bent when the trans was installed.
jamesr86 said:
We used to use the factory clutch kits in our ITS cars. (White clutch material.) I also used them in my '84 turbo. No problems. If you haven't been rough on the clutch; then you may have hydraulic issues, the throwout bearing sleeve could be hanging up or the disc was bent when the trans was installed.
I'm actually very careful with the car. I tend to drive it conservatively but I get on it occasionally. Prolly less than most. So Nothing excessive on the old Z.

I have a feeling you are on target James with your response. I have had known issues with the release bearing sleeve on this car.
Sometimes my car feels like it's on steroids. Is it possible my wastegate is malfunctioning and providing more boost than
I expect and thus more power and thus more burned out clutches or is a stock Sachs clutch for example clutch good up to 245 -260hp?
If so, it's definitely an issue with something else. BTW, I used to have a GTI that was running 20psi, cammed, gutted, highly modded with NOS that would run 10's
so yeah, I would say I do know about how to drive a reasonably fast clutched car. It was almost as fast as my Sportbike....once it hooked the 2nd time.

But this transmission in the Z has about 25,000 miles on it. It was completely rebuilt. So who knows.

What's the clamping pressure of a stock 84-89 Z clutch? Anyone know?

thx
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AZ_ZBum said:
Who's Dopey and why would you buy from him?
Folks who've been around the performance Import car scene would know what I'm talking about....the Forest Park, GA gives it away.

I'm sure someone here can clue you in.
appleandoranges said:
Folks who've been around the performance Import car scene would know what I'm talking about....the Forest Park, GA gives it away.

I'm sure someone here can clue you in.
Performance? In this section? HA! You're a funny guy.

I googled DOPEY FOREST PARK, GA and got nothing. But if you really want to be an idiot, go for it.

Obviously, if you bought "OEM" clutches from this "performance" shop and got crap clutches, then it's not a very good shop, is it?
I am thinking he is referring to NOPI. Dopey would be a good name for them. I had the unfortunate experience of buying disk rotors from them a few years ago. They sent me the wrong ones, tried to tell me I didnt know what I was talking about and wanted me to pay to have them shipped back. Sounds like they are still selling "quality" parts.
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