Well guys, I am really puzzled. I hope you can help. I am in the process of installing a new engine in my 83zx. I bought a new aftermarket clutch kit (Precision) from Advance Auto Parts. It did not fit my flywheel. I returned it and bought another one (Beck/Arnley). It would not fit either. The dowell pins and the bolt holes would not line up. The clutch that was in the car when I bought it back (I sold it 8 years ago and regretted it the whole time - but I got it back) had sheared off two of the pins and one of the bolts (no wonder it was ticking). I got really frustrated then and went to our local Nissan dealer. I ordered a new flywheel and a new clutch kit (mucho dinero). Now the pisser is that they don't fit either. I even had the parts guy look up the flywheel by model and by my VIN!! The new flywheel is the exact same as the one that came out of my car to begin with. The pressure plate from the new clutch is just slightly larger and won't fit. I do not know what to do now. I am going back to the dealer tomorrow and try to find out what is going on. Do you guys have any suggestions on what I may be doing wrong??

Thanks in advance.

Colin

 

There are two different size flywheels / clutches for the 280zx.

all 2+2's & turbos have the 240mm flywheel,

all 2seater non turbos have the 220mm? (I believe it's 220) flywheel.

If they are different sizes, you have the wrong part.

 

Yeah, while the clutch may be the right one for you car; The flywheel may not be. It's possible that you ended up with a flywheel that was not the original size, as Nismo mentions, and so the clutch that is SUPPOSED to fit isn't. If you've got a 2+2 I'd try fitting a 2seater clutch and see if that works and vice versa if you've got a coupe. Otherwise go back to Nissan and have them order you a new clutch cause the one they gave you isn't the right one for you car. Remember. parts people aren't always the brightest bunch (No, that doesn't apply to all parts people). But I'd put money on the fact that that's probably what happened

 

Thanks Guys,

My car is a 2 seater coupe. I am going back to talk to those parts guys now. I appreciate your help.

Colin

 

I found out the hard way. The 2 seater has a 225mm clutch disk and pressure plate and the 2+2 has a 240mm clutch disk and pressure plate. It seems that the 240mm one also fits a number of other Datsun/Nissan models such as light trucks..

 

Usually the parts stores ask which flywheel (or model Z) you have... for exactly that reason. Did you finally get the right one?