Clutch Replacement - ORC 409D

Pic 1: ORC 409D

Just got the clutch on the ER34 replaced with the ORC 409D. This is a 400ps/55kgfm pull type clutch. Previously I was running the URAS Super Single Drift Clutch which is essentially an ORC 409D but made to URAS specs with slightly different friction plate. It does not have a damper and the engagement was wonderful! It's a little hard to drive but far more than makes up for it with its positive points.

When I had the URAS clutch on, I converted the ER34 gearbox from a pull system to a push. Now to get this set of ORC 409D in, I've to convert it back to a pull system. Luckily I kept all the parts when I converted it to push. All I've got to do is just to reverse the process. No big deal really.

Pic 2: ORC Logo

Pic 3: Ogura Cluth

Got in a Nissan clutch bearing and I have all the parts required for the job. Inital impression is that this is way much easier to drive! Not so much of an "on-off" clutch like the URAS version. Good amount of play and much less juddering. I guess those dampers does make a huge difference in drivability. The only downside is that the engagement is not as direct as the URAS.

I've a strong feeling that I am going to miss my URAS unit. :(

Here are some pics of the install.

Pic 4: Nissan Clutch Bearing

Pic 5: Converting it back to a pull system

Pic 6: ORC 409D installed

Nengun links to http://er34.blogspot.com/

The other day I notice some incoming traffic from Nengun.com. Weird I thought. I went and check it out and found that Nengun.com actually links to this site for my review of the Uras Super Single Drift Clutch.

They have added the clutch to their catalogue and if you go to the product page here, the link to this blog is Under LINKS --> BLOG CLUTCH REVIEW. :)

EARL's Steel Braided Clutch Line

Pic 1: Steel braided clutch line with EARL's hoses

During DILYSI #13, I've had problems with a leaking clutch line. I have to ensure that the same thing will not happen again else I'll be stranded on the streets. It's a relief, I've finally got it sorted out.

Instead of sourcing for another rubber clutch line, I got my hands on a custom made steel braided clutch line using materials from EARL'S. For added security against undercarriage scrapes/stones, I got the steel line wrapped in 6mm silicone hose.

With steel braided clutch line, there is no room for volumetric expansion caused by rubber lines. It will firm up pedal feel and make the clutch more accurate by not allowing the hose to swell and lose pressure.

Pic 2: A closer look at the fitting

If you would like a unit, I can custom make it according to length (for all Silvias and Skylines) and post it to you. A similar NISMO unit will cost a bit more but does the same job equally as good as this custom unit. Just shoot me an email via eujin[at]hotmail[dot]com with your location and I'll provide a quote inclusive of courier charges.

Here is a picture of how it looked like installed.

Pic 3: The steel braided clutch line installed


Pic 4: The old R33 clutch line


Pic 5: This is where it posed a problem for me

ER34 Start-up video with URAS clutch

As mentioned in this blog entry, the below is a video of the ER34 on start-up. The 'shing' sound is noticeable upon start-up. When the clutch pedal is depressed, clattering noises can also be heard. I think one day someone will ask me what's wrong with the car.

Sounds like something is faulty. Hahahaha

The same sound can also be heard on ORC clutches. On ORC twin clutch, it is noticeably a lot louder.

Video 1: URAS Super Single Drift Clutch start-up

URAS Super Single Drift Clutch installed!

Pic 1: URAS Super Single Drift Clutch in the ER34. The bar below is my Okuyama Carbing Front Lower Arm Bar.

Yeap finally I got the URAS Super Single Drift Clutch installed. In the process I've got to convert the ER34 gearbox from a pull system to a push system. Yea man, damn a lot of work just to get a damn clutch installed. It's unbelievable but I've also purchased a R33 gearbox to strip parts off it for my conversion work.

Pic 2: The doner R33 gearbox

How exactly does it work? I've given some hints already thus I'll not elaborate on my conversion. I would love to share (as I've always done in this blog) but this is a more or less a 'trade secret' thus it shall remain errr....under locks. :P

Oh, btw, the URAS clutch have the same 'shing' sound upon start-up just like ORC clutch. Well they are of the same anyway. Will post up a video on that soon.

Here are some pictures of the installation.

Pic 3: Prop shaft out of the ER34


Pic 4: Stock ER34 clutch out of the car


Pic 5: ER34 gearbox removed from the car


Pic 6: Stripping some parts off the R33 gearbox


Pic 7: Work being done on the ER34 gearbox


Pic 8: Stock R33 clutch pump and clutch lines


Pic 9: ER34 gearbox with R33 gearbox in the background


Pic 10: Push system ER34 gearbox


Pic 11: URAS Super Single Drift Clutch in the ER34


Pic 12: Another view of the new clutch


Pic 13: Yet another view of the new clutch :P


Pic 14: Installing back the gearbox


Pic 15: Push system ER34 gearbox

URAS Super Single Drift Clutch

Pic 1: The Uras Super Single Drift Clutch

Ever since I got the ER34 2 years ago, I know that the clutch will have to be replaced. It works fine but I'm not sure how much longer it will hold. I've been slowly upgrading the rest of the car but always fails to neglect this important portion. Yea shoot me! :(

I try to keep an eye on any good clutches that came my way but they are just too costly. My dream will be the set from ORC; the ORC409D. Clutches from ORC, NISMO and HKS costs a lot. Way beyond my budget. Used clutches are not cheap either. Factor in the fact that they could have been badly abused by the previous owner and/or have not been handled properly (plates could be bent), it's not a path that I'll like to take risk on. Oh and most if not all the used clutches I come across have huge amount of rust on 'em. God knows how long they have been left in the elements.

Pic 2: That's how it looks like packed

Pic 3: Open sesame ...

Pic 4: Packed in anti-corrosion paper

Late last year, I came across clutches by URAS. URAS makes clutches?!?!?

Yeap, that's my initial thought too. Little known to many URAS did come out with clutches for the SR and RB engines. I tried to scour online forums from around the world but little or no information can be had for the URAS clutch. Guess they are pretty new (and rare?) in the market.

Pic 5: The Uras Clutch!

When I got hold of URAS to get more info ..... it turns out that URAS together with ORC have produced a drift clutch capable of handling 400PS with minimum pedal effort and maximum bite. Apparently, it is the same as the ORC 409 series single plate but with a slightly different friction plate, this makes more daily driver friendly as drifters tend to use their cars as daily drivers and take them out at night for play. Well but I'm no drifter. It's a dampler-less clutch thus the bite should be great. So anyway .... by looking at the clutches side by side, they are of the same. Blitz and URAS clucthes are all made by ORC. They all tie in with each other with only branding changes. Check out the below picture and you'll notice how identical the ORC and URAS clutch are.

Pic 6: ORC 409 series Super Single Clutch

The clutch is a high performance unit made of very high grade steel, therefore, it should make that 'shing' noise on start up much like ORC ones. I call it the 'cash register shing' sound. :P

Well, I think I've dragged time long enough. I've just 'forced myself' to get a set and thus now there's this URAS clutch waiting to be installed into the ER34. The URAS super single drift clutch comes in a set with a lighten flywheel. But I'll have to source for a pull to push conversion kit to convert the pull system of the ER34 to a push system in order for this clutch to work.

Now I'm thinking whether it's worth the effort? Should I just sell off the clutch or go hungry for the next 30 days? :(

Anyone interested in this? :)

More pics....

Pic 7: Shiny green eh?


Pic 8: Another view


Pic 9: Side view


Pic 10: Even the logo positioning is the same are ORC ones


Pic 11: This is how it looks like at the rear


Pic 12: The underside


Pic 13: A closer look at the 'fingers'


Pic 14: Another shot of the clutch