Solid Flywheel & Safari Clutch on ZD30 - DONE!!

[guterra]

Just a little report / feedback for those who have a dual mass flywheel that needs attention, and don't know whether to convert it to single, or go with another expensive dual mass. Here is what I think of it after a few weeks of driving...

The kit I went with was the Exedy Solid flywheel with Safari Tuff Clutch.

First of all - If you like your nice touring smooth shifting feel. Forget it. Still good changing gears, but a lot more 'feedback' through the stick.

Secondly - Road noise is considerably a lot louder at highway speeds. Thats ok, lift the carpet and dynamat (sound deaden) the tunnel and floor. Big difference, slightly quieter than before.

Thirdly - Gearbox Chatter. No dought about it, the gearbox chatter is very noticeable. It was expected, as the dual mass flywheels job was to dampen the ZDs harmonics that cause this. This just means that approaching intersections at 1000rpm in 3rd gear is no longer an option. Change down a gear and all is good.

Fourthly - Damage to driveline? I am aware of the extra vibrations through the gearbox, and down the driveline, but really? These gearboxes are the same in the 4.2s that nissan have been using for years now, and the 4.2s never had the dual mass fitted. They aren't exactly known as a smooth box with those engines. As long as your careful and not constantly dumping the clutch, you wouldn't even tell the difference.

Conclusion - Although this isn't for someone who admires a smooth feel about the box (where talking 4wds here alright!), the more prominent "direct drive" aspect to it I like. If I had my chances again, I would do the same conversion.


Hopefully this report will guide others into what to do when the time comes, as I found a lot of information about the conversion, but not enough feedback afterwards.

Cheers