HELP. New flywheel sources?

[ntownsen]

I generally lurk around her getting answers from prior posts but after doing a quick search I didn't see any posts that id where to get a flywheel for a '77 coupe. I have spent the last 2 weeks trying to find a new flywheel on line and all I find is the 2+2. I have already mistakenly purchased a 2+2 flywheel only to discover there are 240mm (2+2) flywheels and 225mm (Coupe) flywheels. My clutch kit is for the later. I've checked all my usual places to buy and keep coming up with the SACHS NFS5301 that I already have. Anyone know where I can pick up a new 225mm flywheel for under $100? So far everything I've found has been over $250. Or do I just bite the bullet switch to 240mm and get a new clutch kit?

Thanks!

Nathan

[Zed Head]

Aren't they drilled for both patterns? You might have your local Autozone get one in and take your pressure plate over and see if it will work. Probably a cost saving move, one flywheel, two patterns. The smaller pressure plate will just use less friction surface.

Brute Power/Flywheel - Manual Transmission (FW9304) | 1978 Nissan/Datsun 280Z 6 Cylinders H 2.8L FI | AutoZone.com

[Kurbycar32]

I have 2 used 225mm flywheels i dont need, one of them came off of my almost daily driver just last month. it appears flat and you can have for shipping +$20. Pm me if your interested

[ntownsen]

Sadly, the Excedy clutch kit doesn't come even close to aligning even though it looks like it is drilled for multiple patterns. The also specify two different versions: one for 225mm flywheels and one for 240mm flywheels.

Kurbycar32,
I'm going to check out my old flywheel and see if I can have it machined into spec. I have replaced so many parts of this car I was hoping to start off with a new clutch/flywheel. I'll get back to you if I end up taking you up on your offer.

Nathan

[Kurbycar32]

Theres always the fidanza aluminium flywheel Thats how I ended up with a spare

[Zed Head]

You might try a local Mom and Pop auto store. I just stopped by a local Mike's Auto and he had an old dusty 225mm reman flywheel in his warehouse. He also had a brand new Valeo 240mm flywheel. I took one each of the pressure plates and confirmed that they don't drill the new Valeo's for two patterns. Not sure why somebody doesn't though, it would make stock easier to keep.

Also confirmed that the 240mm pressure plate is much heavier than the 225mm. And much taller, which explains where those short throwout collars are used.

[EuroDat]

The so called "240mm" flywheels were fitted to a wide variety of datsuns/nissans like the Z 2+2, ZX turbo, 200SX, 240SX, 300ZX and 720 trucks etc. The 240mm used in the Z(X)2+2 and ZX turbo used a 23lb flywheel with 9 pressure plate bolts and the 3 dowels are closer to the outer bolts.
If you have a 240mm flywheel and it has 6 bolts, then you probably have the 720 truck flywheel used on the L and Z series engines. I have never seen one of these, but I have seen specs with the weigh around 29lbs.

Pressure plate with disc weighs about 18.5lbs for the 240mm and around 14.5lbs for the 260Z, 280Z & ZX coupe. The early 240Z had a thinner pressure plate which was lighter again.

Clutch clamping pressure
240mm - 750lbs
225mm - 550lbs

Chas

[Zed Head]

A couple more notes to fill out the thread, might as well. The 240mm pressure late was only about 0.25" taller at the diaphragm spring surface than the 225mm. The cover itself is much more robust though. Also, whoever installed the pressure plate on the engine I removed it from only used 6 bolts, although there are 9 threaded holes in the flywheel and 9 holes to use. One way to get confused. Finally, I think that 240mm package, with all of its extra rotating mass, will slow the "reviness" of the engine. Many people have their 225mm flywheels lightened or go to aluminum to make the engine feel happier.

And, maybe of most concern to everyone for future projects, these 225mm flywheels seem to be running out. The reman factories typically keep a stock of parts, that they pick up for cheap from various wrecking yards, and exchange cores, but apparently there are none left to grind. Valeo is casting brand new 240mm flywheels but that is probably only because they are used on the trucks, Pathfinders, and 300ZX's also. So in the long run, 240mm might be the only option. If you have a 225mm or come across one cheap it might be a worthwhile investment.

[Zed Head]

Found an interesting video on the general topic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gu9j7304Zxk Redrilling for a different pressure plate. Shows the grinding process at the end.

[rick240]

You can also look in a salvage yard for a early 80s Maxima flywheel (make sure it is stamped Y70).

They are 225mm but lighter than the ones used in early Z-cars.

[Kurbycar32]

You can also look in a salvage yard for a early 80s Maxima flywheel (make sure it is stamped Y70).

They are 225mm but lighter than the ones used in early Z-cars.

Just a few months ago i went on a quest to find one of these. I think they might be extinct. Also the cost of lightening and balancing the flywheel was more than buying an aluminum aftermarket piece. I didn't find a single "speed shop" in my area that would lighten a flywheel citing safety concerns, but there were a few regular machine shops.

[Jarvo2]

I've got a 77 280z (2-door) OEM flywheel that has about 70,000 miles on it if anyone is looking. Located in the Chicagoland area.

[EuroDat]

An option could be the aluminium 240mm fidanza flywheel with the standard 240mm pressure plate and clutch disc. It would be about 11lbs lighter than the standard clutch. That is around 30% weight reduction on the standard 225mm flywheel and clutch at 37lbs. It can handle 50% increased torque and still have the standard clutch peddle feel.

[rick240]

Just a few months ago i went on a quest to find one of these. I think they might be extinct. Also the cost of lightening and balancing the flywheel was more than buying an aluminum aftermarket piece. I didn't find a single "speed shop" in my area that would lighten a flywheel citing safety concerns, but there were a few regular machine shops.

I bought mine in May of this year for $45 plus shipping. At the time I believe there were 3 or 4 around the US.

[rick240]

Do search here, Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market , quite a few still come up.

[Zed Head]

That is a great site, thanks for sharing. I thought I knew where all of the good stuff on the internet was.

I just went and pulled a 225mm flywheel from a 77 280Z in the Portland area. Couldn't pass it up, they're having a 1/2 price sale. I only went to take a look since I figured it would be more work than I wanted to do, but somebody else had already pulled the transmission (for the bellhousing apparently, the tail was still there), and the engine was tilted back with everything waiting for me. The pressure plate looked so good I got it too, it looked Nissan issue, both for $26 total. Neither needs resurfacing. Simple pleasures, collecting stuff (junk?) I don't need, easing my fear of not having a part..