Aluminum flywheel, who's and how light?

Gravel

Member
Mar 17, 2004
216
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Bellingham WA
I am going to do a clutch and flywheel upgrade on my 87..

I will be using a Stage 2 Centerforce, always had real good luck with them..

I am not worried about saving money and do not want to buy crap..

This is not a drag car but a road racer and sunshine driver..

Thanks!!
 
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Aluminum flywheels, in general, are considered "high end" pieces. For that reason, I believe, that if you stick with a "name brand", you'll be happy. Most will knock 15-18lbs off a similar steel flywheel and are really nice for road racing, where the engine has to change RPM abruptly with downshifting.

I am happy with my RAM aluminum. McLeod makes a nice piece. Check with SPEC, as they have really picked up on the small block Ford market these past few years.
 
Aluminum flyweels I have heard are bad for launch but better after that. Removing alot of rotation weight has to help get the weight to the rear wheels. I am planning on an aluminun flyweel with a new clutch, maby a tremec too (I hope).

I did a little research on alum flywheels and I know the AFM peice has a replacable surface so it won't be a one time use thing.
 
"Aluminum flyweels I have heard are bad for launch but better after that."....

They are not "bad" for launch. The driver just has to launch differently than when using a heavier steel unit. I believe this is a particular issue with "underpowered" stock or mild engine combos, where the loss of rotational inertia is going to be a significant factor. Often times, simply being a little quicker on the stick, launching at a higher RPM, and/or using that next higher gear ratio reduces these effects.

Anytime you can put more of your engine's power to the wheels, and not have it parasitically consumed by the driveline, it is advantageous. Lightweight driveshafts, lightweight flywheels, gundrilled and scalloped axles, lightweight gearsets and differentials, lightweight brakes, lightweight wheels, and so on, are designed to reduce parasitic losses and are highly desired in nearly all forms of racing.
 
autoXr1 said:
"Aluminum flyweels I have heard are bad for launch but better after that."....

They are not "bad" for launch. The driver just has to launch differently than when using a heavier steel unit. I believe this is a particular issue with "underpowered" stock or mild engine combos, where the loss of rotational inertia is going to be a significant factor. Often times, simply being a little quicker on the stick, launching at a higher RPM, and/or using that next higher gear ratio reduces these effects.

Anytime you can put more of your engine's power to the wheels, and not have it parasitically consumed by the driveline, it is advantageous. Lightweight driveshafts, lightweight flywheels, gundrilled and scalloped axles, lightweight gearsets and differentials, lightweight brakes, lightweight wheels, and so on, are designed to reduce parasitic losses and are highly desired in nearly all forms of racing.
this may be true with stick cars,I don't have alot of expierience with modding them,but for auto I would go with an sfi approved steel there is no better way with inertia than steel.True about weight factor theory but I found better results this way.J.W performance has there sh** together when it comes to this stuff.

Just my .02 peace..