So, I need a new clutch. Unfortunately, I don't think I have the luxury of many months to contemplate this decision.

I plan on staying NA. So I'm never going to make gobs of power. That should filter the candidates a bit. Also, I'd like the unit to be as OEM as possible in its characteristics. At some point in the future when I get rid of the car, I don't plan on removing the clutch and/or flywheel. So I want something that won't detract from the resale too badly; i.e, something with excessive chatter or the dreaded cement mixer noise. Also, I plan on continuing to bang on the car regularly, including drag racing and autoxing.

At this point I like the idea of the clutchmasters stage1. It's cheapish, between $320 and $360. It comes with the pilot bearing/bushing, alignment tool, throw-out bearing, pressure plate, and clutch. Having never dealt with servicing a clutch before, I'm assuming this is a complete kit excepting the flywheel. Would I need any other parts?

So I need advice on the flywheel. I'd like to retain the oem flywheel due to price and drivability/resale. However, I'm not too sure my flywheel will be in any condition to be reused. I've read somewhere that the oem flywheel cannot be resurfaced. Is this true? If I do indeed need to replace the flywheel as well, what brand would be a good compromise for price/stock characteristics? I'd consider going with the jwt clutch/fly combo, but I'm not sure about the noise factor.

As for the clutch, does anyone see any reason why the clutchmasters stage1 wouldn't hold up to my abuse over the long term? Or should I opt for a beefier unit? Keep in mind my meager power levels... And before anyone asks, I don't know the exact specs on the clutchmasters unit.

Anyone have an oem fly in good condition they'd be willing to let go for cheap?

 

I can't help you with aftermarket equipment because i don't have experience with these trannies, but from what I've read, it sure sounds to me that you need to be damn sure you're willing to compromise if you want a stronger clutch or lighter noisy flywheel.

Honestly, I don't know why your OEM flywheel can't be reused unless you've beat the hell out of it (unlikley). Flywheels really don't need and anything other than some scuffing to clean them up. If it were me, I'd stick with OEM. It's the best quality, it will last, it's the best driving, it's the quietest, and it's designed for the tranny. I can't tell you how people I know and have read about that have had hella issues with aftermarket clutches failing, not grabbing right, excessive noise, etc.

For the typical clutch service, you get a kit that includes the throw out bearing, pressure plate, disc, and alignment tool. Clean up the flywheel and you're done.

 

Any particular reason why you don't want to put in another OEM clutch? I find OEM generally the best bet, even for mild FI.

 

Mainly because I won't be changing my driving style nor activities. If I went through the first one in 25k miles, then I don't want to do the same thing again next year.

 

I'd stick with an organic for driveability, so you'd be looking for one that was harder than stock. I've run kevlar clutches in the past, but I would recommend them, primarily due to their sensitivity to perfectly flat and planar flywheel / pressure plate mating surfaces. I'm not familiar with aftermarket options for the G35 specifically, but I've heard good things about ACT organic clutches.

 

Off topic question: How long did ur clutch last exactly?

 

Right at 25k miles, with 3 autocross events, about 110 to 120 drag strip runs, and daily beatings. My clutch isn't gone now. It drives just fine. I still abuse the car. I just know that once one starts slipping, it can't be long...

 

The clutchmasters stage1 clutch is organic, and downright cheap. I'm just not sure it will hold up to my abuse for very long.

 

Check out SPEC Clutch, I believe they make all clutches for clutchmasters (not that I've heard great things about clutchmasters). They made the kevlar clutch that I ran.

 

SPEC is actually local to me. The factory is not 20 minutes from my home, or office. I actually have an uncle-in-law that works there. As such, SPEC is used pretty heavily by the local guys(all types of brands/outputs). I researched SPEC quite heavily. There's plenty of local guys that like them, but even more that won't touch a SPEC clutch ever again. I plan on staying away.

Not to mention the stage2 SPEC clutch is nearly $600.