Competition Clutch VQ35DE Stage 2 - Steelback Brass Plus Clutch Kit

The Competition Clutch 6072-2100 is a Stage 2 clutch kit for VQ35DE-powered manual cars: the 2003-2006 Nissan 350Z and the 2003-2007 Infiniti G35 with the six-speed. Owners usually land here for one of three reasons: the original clutch is slipping in the higher gears, the pedal and engagement have gotten inconsistent, or the car now has intake, exhaust and a tune and the factory clutch is starting to give up at the top of the rev range. Stage 2 is the step meant to fix that while keeping the car pleasant to drive.

What the clutch kit does in a VQ35DE 350Z or G35

These cars pair the VQ35DE with a six-speed manual and a hydraulic clutch. The pressure plate clamps a single disc against the flywheel, the disc spins the transmission input shaft, and the slave cylinder pushes the release bearing to free the disc when you press the pedal. The 6072-2100 replaces the parts that wear: it includes a Competition Clutch performance pressure plate, one full-face disc, a throwout bearing, a pilot bushing and an alignment tool. A flywheel is not included.

Competition Clutch's product text rates this kit at a 40-50 percent increase in torque capacity with a slightly firmer pedal than stock. Its general Stage 2 description goes further, up to 80 percent with Brass Plus friction material on an alloy backing, while the 6072-2100 spec table lists the disc as organic, full face. What matters for a daily-driven Z or G is that a full-face disc takes up smoothly, without the on-off feel of a puck clutch.

Symptoms of a worn clutch on a 350Z or G35

• Engine speed jumps on a fifth- or sixth-gear pull while the car barely accelerates
• Judder leaving a stop, worse when the car is hot
• Engagement that has moved high on the pedal travel
• Smell of burnt friction material after a canyon run, track day or steep driveway
• Bearing noise at idle that changes when the pedal is pressed

How to confirm before you buy

Pulling the six-speed is a big job, so prove the clutch is the problem first. A pedal that sticks to the floor, a soft pedal or trouble getting into gear with the engine running points to the hydraulics or air in the system, not the disc. Our 350Z and 370Z clutch replacement cost page covers what to expect for parts and labor on these cars, and the slipping diagnosis guide has the high-gear load test that confirms true clutch slip. Owners of the G35 can also check our Infiniti G35 transmission problems page.

Fitment

Competition Clutch lists 6072-2100 for the 2003-2007 Infiniti G35 and 2003-2006 Nissan 350Z 3.5L. The key is the engine. The 2007 model year is a split: the G35 coupe carried on with the VQ35DE, but the redesigned 2007 G35 sedan and the 2007-up 350Z use the VQ35HR and need the separate 6073-2100 VQ35HR/VQ37HR kit. Check the engine code on your car or send us your year and VIN and we will confirm. Competition Clutch also publishes a G35/350Z clutch adjustment spec sheet on the product page for this kit. More options are in our rebuild kits section.

Install notes

• No flywheel is included, so inspect yours. The 18.65 lb steel VQ35DE flywheel keeps more rotating mass for smooth street driving; the 13.89 lb version revs quicker.
• Replace the rear main seal if there is any sign of oil on the bellhousing; contamination is a leading cause of chatter after a new clutch.
• Use only a light film of grease on the input shaft splines. Competition Clutch notes that excess grease can damage the disc and void the warranty.
• Center the disc with the supplied alignment tool and tighten the pressure plate bolts gradually in a crisscross order.
• Bleed the clutch hydraulics thoroughly; air trapped in the line causes poor release and grinding into gear.
• Break it in over the first 500 miles by shifting often and avoiding launches, per Competition Clutch.

If you are building for boost, the Stage 3 segmented ceramic kit fits the same VQ35DE cars with more holding power.

Does 6072-2100 fit a 2007 350Z or 2007 G35 sedan?

No. Those cars use the VQ35HR and take the 6073-2100 kit. 6072-2100 is listed for the VQ35DE 2003-06 350Z and 2003-07 G35.

Is a flywheel included?

No. The kit includes the pressure plate, one disc, throwout bearing, pilot bushing and an alignment tool. Resurface your flywheel or pair it with a VQ35DE steel flywheel.

How much more torque does it hold than stock?

Competition Clutch quotes 40-50 percent more torque capacity for this kit in its product text, and up to 80 percent in its general Stage 2 description.

Will the pedal feel different?

It is slightly firmer than stock according to Competition Clutch, with smooth engagement from the full-face disc.

What else should I replace during the job?

Resurface or replace the flywheel, replace a leaking rear main seal, check the release fork and pivot, and bleed the hydraulics. Fix a weak master or slave cylinder now while the transmission is out.

Is there an adjustment spec for these cars?

Yes. Competition Clutch posts a G35/350Z clutch adjustment specifications sheet on the 6072-2100 product page.

• How to Diagnose Transmission Slipping
• Shift Flare vs. Slip: How to Tell the Difference
• Automatic vs. Manual Transmission Repair Cost