Hi all, I have the opportunity to puchase a 50,000 mile FS5W71B 5-spd tranny, and I have a question about which clutch set(disc, pressure plate, and throwout bearing/clutch collar) to use. My car is a stock 73 build date 6/73 with 74,000 actual miles on it. So is there any advantage or disadvantage to using the 280Z clutch set or should I stick with my 240Z clutch set? At 74,000 miles should I even bother to replace everything? There are no clutch issues with this car. It takes up firmly and does not slip. I will replace the throwout bearing and pilot bearing.

I used the search feature and found out lots, just not about this question. Thanks for the input.

Cheers, Mike

The pressure plate and release bearing collar need to be matched. There are no advantages to a stock 280Z clutch over a stock 240Z clutch. So I'd use the complete 240Z package you already have in your car, since you KNOW that setup works.

Although, if it were me, I'd re-surface the flywheel and use a new disk and release bearing for sure, and probably a pressure plate as well. At 74k I think you'll find when you get it out that what you have now is significantly worn.

The key if you do replace the pressure plate will be to verify that it is the same as the one in your car now. Some outfits may sell a later style as 'one-size-fits-all-Zs' which is not true.

Thanks for the advice, Arne. Just to be on the safe side I will probably replace the whole set-up w/ 240 stuff from MSA.

Cheers, Mike

I would do as Arne said. Replace the pressure plate and friction disk as a set. The throwout bearing as well. It is unlikely the old bearing will last as long as the new clutch. Pilot bearings are cheep, might as well change it also. Be sure to use a torque wrench on the pressure plate. Turning the flywheel, this is your call. If you do then everything is new, Do check the ring gear and if it has chipped teeth you might consider replacing the wheel . Gary

Were all of the 240 clutches weaker than the 280 clutches, or was that just a series I thing?

the 280z has iirc, the same clutch size as a 240z (225mm), so there wouldn't really be a difference imo. the 2+2's and Turbo's had a 240mm clutch so in that case it would be a bit stronger than the stock.

I don't know however, if the 280z's pressure plate is any stronger than the 240z's

As Arne mentioned, the most important item to be sure of is the "release bearing collar assembly". You want the one thats the same as the one originally used with the B 5 speed tranny. the length is different than the 240 4 speed collar.

Tom

As Arne mentioned, the most important item to be sure of is the "release bearing collar assembly". You want the one thats the same as the one originally used with the B 5 speed tranny. the length is different than the 240 4 speed collar.

Tom

Incorrect. The collar has nothing to do with the transmission but rather the pressure plate.

the 280z has iirc, the same clutch size as a 240z (225mm), so there wouldn't really be a difference imo. the 2+2's and Turbo's had a 240mm clutch so in that case it would be a bit stronger than the stock.

I don't know however, if the 280z's pressure plate is any stronger than the 240z's

I KNOW there is a difference in the pp clamping force on the series I vs the 280. Not sure if there is a difference between series I vs series II.

Incorrect. The collar has nothing to do with the transmission but rather the pressure plate.

Thank you for correcting my CRS!!!!

Hi all, Thanks for the good info so far. However now I'm confused. In the thread "Won't Go Into Gear" Carl says to use the clutch assembly from 280z and the clutch collar from a 280 ZX if you are replacing your clutch in a 240Z. I've asked him in that post "why"? and asked if the 280 unit is stronger, better etc. Carl if you're here...help! Thanks, Mike

Pop's Z, to simplify the whole process, just make sure that when purchasing the pressure plate you also purchase the throwout collar from the same model year. For instance, if you purchase a clutch assembly for a 1983 280zx, buy a throwout collar for a 1983 280zx.

I would not worry about the "originality" of clutch components. They are wear items and subsequently must be replaced. Saying that, I would purchase a clutch assembly for a 1981 to 1983 280zx. It will bolt right up to your flywheel. I say this as you may have an easier time finding OE parts for the later model years.

For a stock L24, the stock pressure plate is fine. However, FINDING a OE 240z pressure plate is another matter.

The throwout collar is the KEY to a transmission swap. I KNOW this yet still fell victim TWICE (don't ask).