Project Nissan 350Z - Turbo Install

JWT's metal disc also has a beefed-up hub with shock-absorbing springs that both smooth engagement and cushion the drivetrain, making this aggressive clutch more streetable. Despite their race-bred nature, our prior experience with these clutches predicts a surprisingly smooth engagement.

The original JWT 13-pound aluminum flywheel was one of many things stolen from our Z. JWT was gracious enough to supply us with another as we bolted the drivetrain together. This flywheel is significantly lighter than the weighty stock dual-mass unit, which tips the scales at 29 pounds.

This lightweight flywheel makes a noticeable difference in throttle response and acceleration, particularly in the lower gears. It's also easier on the transmission synchros and makes heel-and-toe downshifting much easier. It has a replaceable steel friction surface for long wear and serviceability. Getting rid of the noise-damping dual-mass system will add an increased amount of NVH-how bothersome this is depends on personal taste. Most likely, if you're willing to deal with the compromises involved with having a 500 wheel-hp Z, a little extra noise will be low on the list of downsides. It doesn't harm anything in the drivetrain and can be damped with viscous gear oil, like Red Line's Heavy Shockproof.

Soon, Project Z will receive the final hardware necessary to survive the 500 wheel-hp track beating it has an upcoming date with. We'll get it on the dyno for final tuning by JWT and also experiment with some simple bolt-on power-adders to optimize our new turbo hardware. Five hundred wheel-hp here we come.

By Jay Chen

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