While it would be neat to see how long we can keep the original clutch, we’d rather not not hold back while on track. We’d also rather not get stranded in the paddock.
Our 1991 Nissan 240SX is still on its original clutch—not bad for a sporty car that has covered 212,000 miles so far. During our Sebring outing we noticed that the clutch didn’t feel 100-percent solid on downshifts. It wasn’t a slipping mess, but we’d call it 90-percent healthy. Plus, the clutch engages at the top of its range.
It’s probably time to replace it. While it would be neat to see how long we can keep the original clutch, we’d rather not not hold back while on track. We’d also rather not get stranded in the paddock.
Since we see some track miles in this car’s future, we decided to go up one tick from stock. Exedy offers both O.E. and racing clutches for our application. Their Stage 1 Racing Clutch promises more clamp load and heavier-duty guts while still promising near-stock street manners. That sounded perfect for our needs, so that’s what we ordered. (For those playing at home, the part number is 06805B.)
While the transmission is out, we figure we’ll also replace the rear main seal and front transmission seal. We used that opportunity to place a stocking order with AutohausAZ as we also picked up some fresh belts, hatch struts, oil filters, valve cover gasket and the like. For less than $50, we also got a new turn signal stalk to replace ours—that one piece is showing its age a bit.
We have some travel coming up, so the clutch install might wait until July. Once it’s in, we’ll report back.
So, anyone wanna help?
Speaking of clutch, here, an Easter egg.
| We have been writing about Nissans since they were known as Datsuns. Subscribe to Grassroots Motorsports now. |
To do the clutch, pull the driveshaft, tranny x-member, and exhaust after the downpipe. Grab the tranny and tilt the engine back so where the down pipe turns back is hanging below the chassis and jam a piece of 4x4 in there. It will hold the engine at that angle making access to the top tranny bolts and sliding everything on and off a 1000 times easier.
Thanks for the tip.
Displaying 1-2 of 2 commentsView all comments on the GRM forums
You'll need to log in to post.
