Lightened Flywheel?

JoeK · Post by **JoeK** » Sat Oct 16, 2004 1:58 am

I've been thinking of projects to do while I have the engine out. I see that some people are lightening their flywheel. What are the pros and cons to this mod?

Thanks,

SLOroadster · Post by **SLOroadster** » Sat Oct 16, 2004 10:46 am

The pros of a light flywheel are many. To start with, it will allow the engine to rev faster, the decrease in inertia will show up on a dyno as more power to the wheels, better gas milage, more fun to drive. At least thats what I found when I installed my 10lb NISMO flywheel.

The cons:
It is easier to stall untill you get used to it (then you wonder why cars don't come with them stock.) The price, mine was about $450. If you cut a stock one down, be careful how it is done so enough material is left to hold the clutch pressure plate on (I have seen one that was transparent, I was able to count the threads on the bolts holding the clutch on. Scary.)
You might want a scatter shield for the car if you have one cut down.

I am a huge fan of lightweight internal parts, I have taken 20 lbs out of the rotational assembly of my engine, and it rocks. (flywheel and crank)
I'd say go for it, if you want one, I have a guy who can make one, it will be about 15 lbs. It will be balanced and resurfaced.

Let me know,
Will

Minh · Post by **Minh** » Mon Oct 18, 2004 12:14 am

The only I con I know of is that it needs a bit more rev to get into 1st gear.

I not one to say becuase this is one option I have not done personally.

JoeK · Post by **JoeK** » Mon Oct 18, 2004 1:26 pm

Will,

Can you get me the contact info for your guy that lightens flywheels? I also found this place, http://www.racetep.com/flywheel.html , anybody have any experiences with them? At $160, the price seems reasonable.

Thanks, Joe

SLOroadster · Post by **SLOroadster** » Mon Oct 18, 2004 6:51 pm

The guy that I know is here in SLO. I can get you one that isn't balanced for about $160, the extra $ is to have it balanced as well. I've had 3 of them made. Oh yeah, you don't need to give it anymore gas, just roll into the throttle as you let out the clutch, the lack of weight will make it seem like you are reving more, but in reallity its just reving quicker. I have a hard time driving normal cars as they don't rev quick enough, or drop revs fast enough between shifts.

Will