New Clutch for a 3.0L GU

[petern900]

Hi Guys, I've just joined the Forum a couple of months ago and I know there been heaps of posts about replacement clutch's but I wanted some opinions on a custom clutch I'm considering.
I purchased My 2003 GU 3.0L Manual from the auctions a couple of months ago for a bargain price and quickly worked out the clutch was shagged. I've just pulled the engine and the clutch had completely disintegrated which has me to the dilemma of which clutch to put in.
After reading all the posts on this subject it seems as the opinions on Single Mass flywheels vary from "I can hardly notice" to "I wish I had never done it". I know the owner at United Brake and Clutch in Brisbane and I'm going to get them to source a clutch for me. As Nissan wants over 2K for a new Dual Mass Flywheel and Machining the old flywheel apparently can be done but is not preferred as it has over 230k on it, my options are as follows.

Exedy Safari Tuff with SMF $1400

Exedy Safari Tuff with DMF $2250

Custom Clutch build to Safari Tuff standard with SMF modified with additional dampening system to prevent clutch shudder $1600

I'm not sure how the Custom Clutch flywheel is made but I'm going to speak to the company who build them on Monday to go over the details.
I want to get this right the first time and I was wondering if anyone has used a modified SMF or used the Exedy DMF ?

[YNOT]

I can't help with your question but I'm curious to know more about the modified SMF, it sounds like a good comprimise.
Are you a Brisbane local?

Tony

[big_fletch]

Welcome to the forum mate, feel free to post up an introduction and a few photos of your troll. Just as a courtesy to other members..
I haven't used either clutches but I will say that when it comes time to change mine, I will be putting in a solid flywheel..
I have driven one with a solid flywheel and didn't notice a massive increase in noise. See if you can find one to take for a drive with a solid flywheel if you can, everyone will have a different opinion on which option to go..
I'm sure someone will be along soon to help answer your question

Fletcha

[kingy]

Watching with interest at the moment my clutch is fine but one day I will have to replace.....read as much as anybody and came to the same conclusion some love the Solid some hate it.

Keep us posted.

Cheeers

[Andee]

I have had my Dual Mass Flywheel replaced with a solid and wish i never had. The ride is rough and the car has vibration problems.
The reason I went with the swap was the price of repairing in the future( just the clutch plate)

I HIGHLY recommend driving a Solid BEFORE spending the money.

I use the car for work and tow a trailer, which doesn't help either.

Andee

[big_fletch]

I have had my Dual Mass Flywheel replaced with a solid and wish i never had. The ride is rough and the car has vibration problems.
The reason I went with the swap was the price of repairing in the future( just the clutch plate)

I HIGHLY recommend driving a Solid BEFORE spending the money.

I use the car for work and tow a trailer, which doesn't help either.

Andee

It's amazing how they differ between vehicles as the one I drove was fine (by my standards anyway)..
Did you get the standard SMF? Or the modified one?

[Andee]

It was the standard solid flywheel.
So much of the diesels vibration comes through, it is completely two different worlds apart.
what makes things worse was when i had it changed i was told the dual mass had been machined!! and i purchased it brand new.

To be honest, I have no time from the dealer i purchased the vehicle from.
Should have kept the 5.0 MQ from years back!!

If anyone is thinking of changing to a solid, feel free to drive mine first. If i can save you the pian i suffer then i'm more than happy to do that.

Andee

[petern900]

Thanks for the replies guys and I'll post a intro soon as I get the car finished. I have spoken to a guy from NPC which are making the A SMF kit using Safari Tuff Clutch. I found out that they do not modify the Fly wheel but actually replace the clutch disk lining. They told me that in some cases the Exedy lining which uses copper and other materials can cause shuddering. They machine there own flywheel and match that to a Safari Tuff pressure plate and replace the clutch disk lining with their own pads to improve feel. The whole lot is balanced as a set and they haven't had any problems with this setup.

I have an advantage as I haven't driven the car with the DMF so I don't have anything to compare with. I have decided to go with the NPC modified kit as all the feedback I have received gives the SMF the edge off road which is why I bought the Patrol in the first place, it's not a daily driver.

I'll post a message when it's on the road and I've test driven it a few times.