Needing More Help Clutch Issues this time

[71 240ZHawaii]

I am hoping the wise and esteemed masters can help me...we finally got the carbs sorted out and the car is now running fine (even better when I remember to put gas in it)...anyway...I have been having a hard time shifting into Reverse and other gears...we have diagnosed the problem to be the slave cylinder and I have a call into NAPA to see how much it will cost to get a new slave and master...

The reason I need help is I would like to go ahead and change the clutch assembly at the same time. My car is a '71 240z (Build date of 12/70) but the previous owner installed 5 speed out of an 83 280zx. My question is which clutch do I buy? Which pressure plate? Which throw-out bearing? Which clutch fork...also do I want to look at replacing the flywheel as well? the car is fairly stock (only headers and muffler) so it is not like a need a lightened flywheel but...do I want to look at an aftermarket clutch...eventually I would not mind trying to coax some more HP out the old girl...but don't plan to ever make it a HP monster (well not yet at least)

Any advice or info would be appreciated. This is my daily driver so kind of have to get it fixed right the first time...

Thanks Tony

[Montezuma]

IM me I can can help you out.

[Carl Beck]

If you want to go to an aftermarket clutch - I'd recommend the ZOOM Clutch Kit from NAPA. (Pressure Plate and Clutch Disc), Order the kit for the 280Z/ZX I like the Nissan throw-out bearings. The ZOOM is a very good clutch - and a lot of money LESS than the OEM units.

If you can't find a dealer that carries the ZOOM Clutch Kit - I'd pay the money and order the 280Z/ZX unit from the local Nissan Dealer.

If the 5spd. is already in the car - then the current clutch fork is fine.

When you get the ZOOM Pressure plate - just make sure it is the same height (thickness) as the one in the car now.

Lay the Pressure Plates flat on the floor or work-bench - measure the height of the Pressure Plate fingers.... If the old and the new are the same (or very close to the same) - use the throw-out bearing collar that you have. If the ZOOM Pressure Plate is thinner... by say 1/4" - you will need the next longer throw-put bearing collar.

The original 240-Z Pressure Plates are thicker than the newer and stronger 280Z/ZX units. So the original 240-Z throw-out bearing collars are shorter than the 280Z/ZX collars. With the 5spd in the car it is very likely the P.O. installed a newer 280Z/ZX unit anyway - and you should be fine.

Just remove the current flywheel -check the ring gear teeth - and if they are good - have it resurfaced by a good machine shop. (a very important set in the process if you want a smooth clutch).

FWIW,

Carl B.

Edited January 15, 2009 by Carl Beck