Sorry if this is another newbie question. But I need to ask the experts.

I have an '88 300ZX Turbo SS model. I just purchased a freshly rebuilt pre- 4/87 engine.

Regarding the clutch and flywheel, what is the difference between the two engines?

Is the '88 flywheel and clutch applicable to the pre- 4/87 engine? I'd like to change it this weekend when I swap engines, I'm just not sure which one I should order.

Lastly, what do you recommend for a performance clutch? (Not a daily driver and eventually / hopefully will have serious Hp.)

Gracias!

 

Define serious. You should know your HP goal. It will have a numerical value. Once that "number" has been established we, the peanut gallery, can offer our valuable, and, educated advice on which clutch to send you shopping for. Why, even a prominent clutch manufacturer, like ACT would require HP and torque values prior to making a recommendation.

Kidding aside, if you overkill on the clutch, you'll hate the way the car drives. Then, if you underestimate and the clutch won't hold, you'll hate that too.

So what's it gonna' be? A 300 HP daily driver, or, a 700 HP pro-street monster? Either one is "serious" horsepower.

 

Very fair question John. Let me split my response in two since I had two questions.

1) Which clutch should I choose with my setup? (pre- 4/87 engine and '88 SS trans & flywheel. If the 88 flywheel has no issues mating to the older engine I should be golden.) Just curious on the reason for the difference in listings and if I need to be looking at an early model flywheel.


2) Serious HP? : I knew that sounded dorky. My goal is to one day reach 400 - 450HP. I don't mind stiff clutch pedal feel (but to a point.) Since it's not a daily driver I figure I won't hate it.

To give you some background on the setup in progress:

- Freshly rebuilt long block (pre-87) was just purchased to get the car mobile again. The plan is to pull the original engine and slowly build it up properly. (Forged rods, pistons, etc..) The rebuilt long block I have is with stock internals.

- The turbo is upgraded to a T3-T4 hybrid with the early O2 elbow.
- Intercooler (To be purchased next week)
- Cobra MAF (To be purchased - looking for a deal)
- I/C piping (Need to cobble together a routing. Jason's website has great ideas.)
- L&P intake plenum was just ordered yesterday. (My core is on it way. Very exciting)
- Lower intake will be sent to L&P for some light machine work. (As much as can be done without extrude honing)
- 60mm TB (Purchased two weeks ago)
- Plan to order the CM 3" exhaust by mid-June.
- 84-85 top feed fuel rail purchased off EBay
- Fuel injectors (not yet purchased assumption is 550cc?)
- Fuel pump (not purchased yet. Looking at Walhbro 255 or Z32 drop in)
- Ignition (With exception to NGK IR plugs and wires, I haven't gone there yet.)
- ECU (Needs attention as well. - I haven't decided what to do yet)
- Boost controller (Not purchased yet)

Sorry for so much detail. No cheap talk here. My wallet has been gasping for air lately. (This stuff is more addictive and expensive than drugs.)

I have no idea what HP I will have when I fire this thing up. When it's up and running well, I'll take it to Jackson, MI and put it on the dyno. It certainly will not be anywhere near 400 HP, but I'm hoping for over 300.

 

Now,

I've got a Z32 but I seen your question below on the ECU and Boost Controller, there is a combination that might work for the Z31 you'll have to make come calls to find out.

Greddy Profec E01
Greddy Ultimate Emanage

These work as a piggyback ECU and boost controller, they function as a display and contol station for your Ultimate emanage as well, and team up really well. Now the question is will they work for a Z31.

I've basically got an JWT Chip, with the piggyback ECU to trim out the AF/Ignition/etc, and it is all controlled visible from the profec E01, works out very nice.

 

Thanks for the recommendation Silvr. Was it fairly easy to work with? These kinds of things can be a piece of cake or an 800# Gorilla depending on your ability to follow directions and not to "play" with the settings.

 

I did not do the work, it's at SGP right now getting finished, but everything I'v read/seen on it is top notch, I should be able to tell you personally soon.

I'm going to do a writeup on it when I get my car back, hopefully next week.

 

I look forward to reading about it. I assume SGP is a local tuner shop? How long is it taking them to dial in the setup? Best of luck to 'ya.