I have a ‘99 nissan maxima. The clutch needs replaced but still works. I recently replaced the exhaust system from the manifolds back with a stock oem system. Since then it doesn‘t seem like my car has the power it should. How can I tell if the problem is the clutch or a restricting exhaust system without pulling the exhaust system back off?
did you change the cat. converter too? if you changed everything then it must be the clutch.
Is the clutch slipping? If not, it's the exhaust system. (If it is, replace it before you have 4 or 5 gears that are all neutral. It's tough driving a car with a blown clutch.)
turn your car on and feel the exhaust at the tailpipe to verify sufficient flow. if you have a catalytic converter in your exhaust and it is clogged it will glow cherry red and smell like rotten eggs. i believe your clutch is slipping. not all of the engines power is making it to your tires or driveline. i would replace that clutch before it goes out in the middle of a traffic jam!
