Aluminum Flywheel Q's Again
09-29-2003, 12:48 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 4,985
So I just was looking for low-buck upgrades for the FD, and it seems that a flywheel (coupled with my C's STS) is a good move. Can anyone enlighten me on these things? Wo they break? Worth the Money? Hard to install? Do I need any other parts 'as long as I'm in there?' I have a ~6,000 mi old reman and clutch. I heard one should replace the counterweight with the new flywheel? I'm a little lost. There is no real hurry here since I still haven't finished paying for some old parts (Justin, I swear.. tomorrow.. lol).
09-30-2003, 12:34 AM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: London, Ontario
Posts: 2,871
I would look at the new ACT flywheels before an aluminum one. Available in 2 weights, one piece chromoly instead of steel bolted to aluminum. Also a hell of a lot cheaper. ($200 vs $400)
I'm thinking I'll get the Pro-lite this winter while I've got the engine apart.
I'm thinking I'll get the Pro-lite this winter while I've got the engine apart.
09-30-2003, 07:11 PM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: O.C. - CA.
Posts: 840
I could be wrong but I thought I was told the chrome molly flywheels are "not" rebuildable, hence the lower price. I have no idea if they can be resurfaced or not, maybe someone else does? On the aluminum ones, the center peice can be replaced. ...anyone know any different?
09-30-2003, 11:49 PM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: London, Ontario
Posts: 2,871
It's not 'rebuildable', it is one piece like a stock one after all. You should be able to resurface it, but how many times is a good question. 
Can you resurface an aluminum one, or do you have to buy a new friction surface every time?
Can you resurface an aluminum one, or do you have to buy a new friction surface every time?
10-01-2003, 11:27 AM
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 4,985
Last night I was talking with Loi and he was explaining to me that a lightweight flywheel (with a short throw shifter or not) is a PITA to drive, especially the 8.8 lb ones. He did mention some kind of steel lightweight (~8 lb) flywheel. Maybe my Bel-Tone wasn't turned up, but I coulda sworn.. Anyone heard of a steel lightweight flywheel? I'm confused.
I've never seen a lightweight flywheel in person, so I have no idea on the resurfacing questions. How often does that need to be performed, anyhow? I mean, how often does the friction surface fail on a lightweight flywheel? I can't imagine it'd be much, unless using an extreme HD clutch.
It doesn't make a whole lot of sense to say a cromoly is cheaper because it's not resurfaceable. A flywheel is a wear item just like the clutch is. If it were cheaper due to that limitation, that would essentially mean that the company is hedging profits on repeat customers - which would be a mistake for a niche part like a lightweight flywheel. I would assume it is less expensive because cromoly is cheaper to manufacture.
I've never seen a lightweight flywheel in person, so I have no idea on the resurfacing questions. How often does that need to be performed, anyhow? I mean, how often does the friction surface fail on a lightweight flywheel? I can't imagine it'd be much, unless using an extreme HD clutch.
It doesn't make a whole lot of sense to say a cromoly is cheaper because it's not resurfaceable. A flywheel is a wear item just like the clutch is. If it were cheaper due to that limitation, that would essentially mean that the company is hedging profits on repeat customers - which would be a mistake for a niche part like a lightweight flywheel. I would assume it is less expensive because cromoly is cheaper to manufacture.