Aluminum Flywheel?

[Last5.0Cobra]

I need to replace my clutch, think i am going with a king cobra, thoughts? Also while i'm in there i need to replace the speedo gear(guy before me never did 3.73s) and i may as well relace the stock drive shaft with an aluminum one( mine vibrates a little) Now what i was wondering is, is it worth it to get an aluminum flywheel? The car is my only car and a daily driver, and have heard it can have a negative effect. Your thoughts are appreciated.

 

[kck6894]

If you're already using the stock cobra wheel I WOULD NOT buy an aluminum flywheel. Your cobra wheel is already clear down to like 13lbs. You won't be gaining much by going alumn.

 

[Grn92LX]

If moneys tight and you don't need to replace your stock flywheel, then don't bother. I have an aluminum and would NEVER run a heavy flywheel again but in your case you probably don't need it. No negative issues at all with mine in my drive anywhere pump gas streeter.

 

[5spd GT]

If you're already using the stock cobra wheel I WOULD NOT buy an aluminum flywheel. Your cobra wheel is already clear down to like 13lbs. You won't be gaining much by going alumn.

Excellent post

An AFW would be a waste...if it isn't already

I drove a 5.0L not to long ago with an AFW - it was a bit finicky getting it off the line, compared to the stock one.

Stock weight is 22 lbs - aluminum is 13 lbs for a Fidanza and 11 lbs for a Centerforce.

 

[bimmertech]

If you're already using the stock cobra wheel I WOULD NOT buy an aluminum flywheel. Your cobra wheel is already clear down to like 13lbs. You won't be gaining much by going alumn.

the stock cobra flywheel is no where near 13lbs. when i removed mine i could not feel a difference between the stocker and a generic ford replacement. i do not believe the cobra lightweight flywheel bs.


as for the op--no you do not need an alum flywheel. just get a $90 stock replacement and call it a day. if you have the extra coin then do it, but be prepared for very little gains. the only down side with mine was increased trans noise--i still launch and leave stoplights like normal. that won't be affected till you get real serious with super lightweight stuff on a smaller engine.

 

[Last5.0Cobra]

I don't have a lot of cash and may just go ahead with stock one..... 11lbs seems like a pretty small difference. So will i have to have my current one resurfaced? Or do i have to buy a stock replacement? I know no one can tell me for sure without seeing it, but just want to know what the most common method is. Any recomendations on a clutch?

 

[sage2k]

a king cobra clutch should be fine on a bolt on car, i have a KC clutch and with boltons and drag radials it held up just fine. I now have heads, cam, intake, and its still holding up

 

[SublimeRT]

If you keep your current one and buy a new clutch, you must get it resurfaced. Any local machine shop should be able to do it for less than $50. 11lbs in driveline rotational weight is pretty big, but if you can't spare the cash for the aluminum flywheel, the stocker will work fine provided you have it resurfaced and the starter teeth are still good.

 

[5spd GT]

Don't expect to not notice any driveability differences between an iron and an aluminum flywheel.

I see a lot of resurfacing for around $25-30...

Just get it resurfaced - I have seen several not get them resurfaced and been just fine.

I would resurface it and save some coin...

 

[bimmertech]

fwiw i never resurface any flywheels on clutch jobs--at work or at home.

if its bad then replace it, if not let it ride.

 

[HISSIN50]

And if you do have it done, a machine shop with a Blanchard grinder is nice.

Good luck.

 

[The Green GT]

fwiw i never resurface any flywheels on clutch jobs--at work or at home.

if its bad then replace it, if not let it ride.

Same here.