A&Q about 350Z
Q:
i heard that 350Z handles clutch dumping pretty well, it'll stand abuse much better then say S2000 or RX-8 from the heavy duty clutch, is that really true ?
A:
YES
Mspeasl
Central Illinois - Form member since 2/02
"Growing old may be mandatory, but growing up is optional"
03 Redline Touring 6sp "350Z" (Pre-Ordered 02/02) - Delivered 29 August 02
05 Satin Jade Pearl Chrysler 300C 6/04
A:
Probably a dumb question to most here but does dumping the clutch refer to taking your foot off it immediately?
A:
The Z line has always had very durable components. The rear ends and transmissions are all overengineered with the best of them. The bottom ends of these motors can take just about whatever you can throw at them [pre aluminum construction, though the 350z's is very impressive for what it is]. The s2000 has different goals than the 350z, and the RX-8, IMO, is a piece of junk just about all around quality wise, though it handles very well and is pretty fun to drive.
Besides the great rearend, it is pretty straight forward why. What breaks differentials, axles, and other drivetrain components is stress, usually caused by friction. The s2k and RX-8 both have low tq figures, about 1/2 the 350z's, but have decently sized rear tires and have a RWD setup for good traction.
When you mix sticky tires in a RWD setup without enough force to break the traction, the components are under immense stress. This is why slicks break drivetrain parts and street tires don't, more friction [in this form traction], same power output. The s2k's rearend specifically is actually MORE reliable if you dump the clutch hard. When you feather the clutch or do a weak launch, immense force is transmitted to the rear end; whereas if the tires break lose, most of the stress is relieved.
FYI, dumping the clutch is known as simply letting your foot off as fast as you can while the engine is revved with the car in gear, also known as launching. The "hardest" version is called sidestepping the clutch, which is sliding your food off so the clutch comes up as fast as possible.
19[TT]91
My TT beauty is gone.
2[00]2 Honda 954RR
Suzuki 1200 S; sportscar eater
19[I4]94 Integra GSR Sedan
Long live the Z...
aka SAHTT
A:
Author:
Date: Oct 4, 6:54am
I don't know if I can believe the S2000 rear end is more reliable if you dump the clutch... but other than that, your logic seems to make sense.
Previously owned: 2005 Z Enthusiast, Super Black, 6 spd.
Currently lease: 2006 Pathfinder S, Silver, Auto
"She is (and always will be) my little deuce coupe, you don't know what I got!"