NISMO vs. aftermarket

[obxtrainman]

Hey fellas,

My clutch went out yesterday. I've been researching all day on parts. Black Dragon doesn't even list the master cylinder. Nismo master is $72, Napa is $42.00. Nismo slave is 42.00, NAPA is $13.07, BD is $20.00. BD 3in1 clutch kit is $140.00, NAPA is $123.28, Nismo sells the clutch plate assy. for $71.00, Pressure assy. for $141.00, and the release bearing for $29.00.

I haven't really looked at it yet, to know exactly what gave out. If it is just one of the cylinders, or the hose, it should be an easy fix. I guess my main question is: Should I use the OEM parts? How old would these parts be? Have they set on a shelf letting any rubber seals degrade? How old are the clutch plates? Would newer, aftermarket, modern plates be made of a better material? The NAPA cylinders are new parts.

Just wondering what you gentlemen think about this subject. Thanks in advance for any input.

OBX

[khoist]

I'd go with nismo if you have the money, It's a quality product for the price. but in general it's a craps shoot, you could buy the best quality and have it glaze in a week, or the lowest quality and have it outlast the motor. Or vice versa. And I've had nothing but smiles with nismo

[obxtrainman]

I called Courtesy Nissan a little earlier. They still produce both cylinders. After I returned home and had a better look at the car; I was pleased to see that the master cylinder looks much newer than the brake cylinder. It is still fairly new looking. It also has a big made in Japan molded into it. It was empty of fluid, also a sigh of relief. I was able to look through the engine compartment and determine that the slave cylinder is wet. The hose is very dry and cracked also. Hopefully this won't have to be a complete clutch rebuild at this time.:classic:

[HS30-H]

You might be causing some confusion by writing "NISMO" ( NISsan MOtorsports International ) when I think you probably mean just plain old Nissan replacement ( OEM ) parts. Am I right?

As far as I am aware, you won't be able to get any replacement clutch hydraulic parts for your particular car from NISMO.

But I'd always recommend OEM if it is still available, and if you can afford it.

[WingZr0]

Don't NISMO maake or made clutch kits for S30Z's?

Think I saw few on Ebay once and awhile like flywheels mostly.

[obxtrainman]

You might be causing some confusion by writing "NISMO" ( NISsan MOtorsports International ) when I think you probably mean just plain old Nissan replacement ( OEM ) parts. Am I right?

As far as I am aware, you won't be able to get any replacement clutch hydraulic parts for your particular car from NISMO.

But I'd always recommend OEM if it is still available, and if you can afford it.

I stand corrected! I kept seeing "NISMO" on this site: I thought it was anacronym for Nissan Motor Company. I most certainly meant OEM Parts, as in parts from Nissan Motor Company???????????????

[240znz]

For things that are a pain in the arse to replace like the pressure plate and clutch, I'd buy genuine Nissan parts if you can afford it. You can be sure of the quality.

OEM = Original Equipment Manufacturer = NISSAN.

[xray]

I think Nissan didn't actually make that part--wasn't it Nabco/Tokico that made it? (I guess it could be like a GM/Delphi relationship, though....)Anyway, it's just a piston with a rubber seal and a reservoir--not rocket science. Don't pay more than $30-40 for a master or $20 for a slave. try RockAuto.com also...

My clutch MC looked new also, but the seal had dried and cracked and wouldn't generate pressure at the slave. Certainly replace the hose and slave, but if pedal still won't engage consider replacing the master.

Steve

PS...ACT makes good clutches too.

[MikeW]

Before deciding to replace everything I'd first figure out what went wrong. I'd first check the clutch master cylinder fluid level. I once had my clutch go out hundreds of miles from home (couldn't shift into gear without grinding). I checked the reservoir and it was half empty and full of gunk. I just happened to have a roll of paper towels and a can of brake fluid with me. Without removing anything I cleaned out the reservoir and refilled it. That solved the problem and I didn't touch it again for years.

[sblake01]

I guess the term NISMO has a certain coolness factor especially to the younger members. But I don't think they really know what it is. Even going as far as to advise us of the quality. At age 20, I wonder how many S30 clutches he could have compared. By Nismo, I think OBX was referring to Nismoparts.com which is just another acronym that the Bruce Titus auto group in Washington state uses for it's Nissan parts division. I buy a lot of parts from the under the name nissanparts.cc. The basically sell OEM parts and some aftermarket. But they have no real connection with Nismo any more so than the regular Nissan dealers.

[Walter Moore]

Yep, the only NISMO clutch parts I could find quickly were these:

http://www.courtesyparts.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=CP&Category_Code=s30_nismo_clutch225