Clutch swap

[280z/300zx]

I've heard of people upgrading to the 280zx turbo or 280z/280zx 2+2 clutch becuase it's stronger. This will be going on my 77 280z with early 5-speed. Is it worth it to do the swap and what is needed to make the swap work. I already know I would need a flywheel, clutch, pressure plate, throw out bearing, and three extra bolts as the 280z n/a coupe is a 6 mount while the turbo and 2+2 are 9. Do I need the matching clutch collar, any other parts, any fabing of parts to make it work? Should I just stick with a stock 77 n/a clutch even though I plan on using the 13.5lbs flywheel? Would an aftermarket clutch be better? Thanks

[chickenwafer]

I've never done this particular swap you are talking about but it looks like you listed all the right parts. You would need the clutch, pressure plate, flywheel, throw out bearing and those three extra bolts and the clutch collar. I don't know about fabing, tho.

Why the need for the stronger clutch? Are you planning on a power upgrade? The stock clutch is pretty robust, so unless you are seeking gobs of power it could be overkill. Otherwise, why not get an easier aftermarket clutch like an ACT or Clutch Masters clutch? It would perform better and be easier to install as well.

Dave

[280z/300zx]

Well I'm already putting out roughly 170hp to the rear wheels. Not a whole lot but it's enough. The stock clutch is actually holding up fine with about 30k on it. The problem is the rear main seal is leaking pretty bad causing a good amount of oil loss. So far everyone I've talked to just says to wait to fix the leak for the next time I need a clutch. Well it's been about 4 years on this clutch and I'll probably get another 1-2 years easy and I don't want to wait that long to fix this leak. So I figured while everything was torn apart I'll upgrade the clutch and flywheel. The reason I'm looking at the turbo/2+2 clutch is becuase I heard it's stronger than my non turbo coupe clutch but becuase it's a stock part doesn't cost nearly as much as an aftermarket clutch. Basicly I can get a whole stock clutch kit for much cheaper than I can get just the after market clutch. As for future mods as of right now I don't have much else planned. Just the lighter flywheel and 280zx distributor swap. However a guy on zcar.com may be making custom performance intake manifolds pretty soon and if he does I'll want to get one of those and go with a megasquirt fuel system. At this point the stock clutch I have now probably won't hold but a turbo/2+2 should. Anyway are you sure on the clutch collar? I've read in pasts post it was needed for the 240z and 260z but couldn't find anything for people doing the swap in the 280z. I've talked to two other guys and they said they think the collar is the same for the 280z so my current collar should work. The thing of it is I'm not going to be doing the work, my mechanic is. So basicly I need to have all the parts and understand how it works so I can just tell him what to do. Thanks

[chickenwafer]

Sorry, I forgot the part where you said you have a '77 280Z :stupid: . So no, I don't think you would need the collar. My bad. But if you have a 240 or 260 you would.

I realize it's cheaper, but an aftermarket clutch will still be stronger. You will eventually want to upgrade again, so why not get it done in one sha-bang? Are you getting a used turbo clutch or a new OEM replacement??

Dave

[280z/300zx]

Well I don't think I'll need that strong of a clutch. The stock one I'm using now has held up for quite a long time considering how much abuse it's taken. Also I don't really plan on doing much, if anything, to my car at this point. It's basicly at the point where the next step, internal head work, would cost me more money than I can afford right now. Thats why I think the turbo/2+2 clutch should be fine for a long time. As for the parts they will all be brand new. I'm not much for using used parts unless I have to. Thanks for the help