Competition Clutch VQ35DE 18.65lb Steel Flywheel
If your 2003-2006 Nissan 350Z or Infiniti G35 with the VQ35DE needs a clutch, the flywheel decision comes with it. A heat-checked, glazed or rattling flywheel will shorten the life of a new clutch, and a lot of owners want a little quicker rev response without turning the car into a race car. The Competition Clutch 2-350Z-ST is the street version of their VQ35DE lightweight flywheel: one-piece 4140 forged steel at 18.65 lb.
The flywheel bolts to the crankshaft and gives the clutch disc a flat friction face to clamp against. Its mass also stores rotating energy, which smooths out idle and helps the car pull away from a stop without stalling. Lighter mass lets the engine gain and drop rpm faster, which makes rev-matched downshifts crisper and throttle response sharper, but takes away some of that low-speed cushion.
The ST suffix is Competition Clutch's middle ground. The maker describes it as built for naturally aspirated, street-driven cars where low-end torque and driveability matter. At 18.65 lb it removes some inertia without the bogging on takeoff that a much lighter wheel can bring. Because it is a single forged piece, there is no separate ring gear or bolted friction insert to come loose.
With the transmission out, check the face for cracks and heat checking and measure runout. A solid flywheel can often be resurfaced, while a dual-mass flywheel generally cannot; our guide on manual vs automatic repair cost breaks down where flywheel work fits into a clutch job budget. If chatter is your main complaint, also rule out oil from a rear main or input seal, worn engine mounts and a disc that was never broken in. The slipping diagnosis guide helps separate a slipping disc from other drivetrain faults.
Competition Clutch lists the 2-350Z-ST for 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 model years: the Nissan 350Z and the Infiniti G35 coupe and sedan with the VQ35DE engine and a manual transmission. It does not fit the VQ35HR. The HR arrived in the 2007 350Z and the 2007 G35 sedan, so check the engine code on the label or the VIN before ordering on a 2006-2007 car. HR cars use the 17.5 lb steel flywheel 2-630-6ST. If you want to keep a stock-style weight on a DE car, the 25.6 lb single-mass iron flywheel is the heavier option. Send your year and VIN if you are not sure and we will confirm.
Expect slightly more gear rattle at idle than a heavy stock unit and a quicker-revving engine. On the street, most drivers find the ST weight easy to live with.
| Brand | Competition Clutch |
| Part number | 2-350Z-ST |
| Fits | Competition Clutch VQ35DE 18.65lb Steel Flywheel |
| Type | Flywheels |
| Condition | New |
| Ships | Same business day (in stock), from the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
No. The 2007 350Z uses the VQ35HR engine, and Competition Clutch says this flywheel does not fit the VQ35HR. HR cars need the 2-630-6ST flywheel. Send your VIN if you are unsure which engine you have.
Competition Clutch lists the G35 coupe and sedan with the VQ35DE and a manual transmission for 2003-2006. The 2007 G35 sedan moved to the VQ35HR and is not covered. Confirm your engine code before ordering.
The maker matches the ST flywheel to Gravity, Stage 1 and Stage 2 clutch kits for street-driven cars. For Stage 3 and up puck clutches, the lighter 2-350Z-STU flywheel is the recommended pairing.
At 18.65 lb the ST is the street version, so takeoffs stay close to normal. You will notice faster rev changes and possibly a little more gear rattle at idle. Most of the stall-prone feel comes with much lighter flywheels.
Install it with a new clutch kit, new flywheel bolts, a new pilot bushing or bearing, and check the rear main seal for leaks. Bleed the clutch hydraulics with fresh brake fluid when you are done.
