I am getting ready to install a lightweight flywheel along with a new clutch disc and pressure plate. Figure since I will already have the tranny removed and I plan on future power adders. I have found a few companies online that make lightweight flywheels, I have also searched the forums. Having had this mod on my E36 M3 I realize that it is a great mod. 1. I still haven't found I stock weight for the factory flywheel. 2. Anyone have any experience with this mod on the new stangs? 3. Also companies which make lightweight flywheels, pressure plates, and clutch discs?
The aluminum flywheel is great. Call Justin Burcham at 1-866-JPC RACE. He's got a mix and match set up that he says really works great. He's a picky SOB, so if he likes it, it's probably good to go.
An aluminum flywheel will make you feel that you have a different engine. It will grab RPM's quicker and will make a noticable difference in acceleration. Beware, however, that it also makes a big difference in deceleration. You will be tempted to slow the car with compression instead of the brakes, but don't fall into this habit. Slowing the car with compression from high RPM with a light flywheel is VERY hard on the engine. Engines are MUCH better built these days, so I don't expect that you will tear up the engine quickly with this practice, but it will DEFINITELY shorten engine life. SOoo... enjoy the flywheel while accelerating and slow the car with the brakes. You can stop a car MUCH cheaper with brakes than with an engine. Enjoy.
I know that it will also slow the car down faster, because it looses momentum faster. The engine decels faster under closed throttle. Please explain how it would cause shorter engine life. I have never heard of this. Not to say that you are wrong, just wanting to learn why it would. Thanks
He's talking about the strain put on the rotating assy caused by reversing from accel to decel. I don't feel the urge to do that though. A little common sense while driving will keep things in check. I'm sure you've seen some guys doing that crap to an extreme out on the roads before. It's hard as hell on the clutch disc too.
I recently installed a new clutch, PP disc and alum flywheel from McLeod and it is fantastic. I will also say since we at B&M now own McLoed that made my decision on which one to put in easier.. =) But, nonetheless I'm sure everyone will agree Mcleod makes some great stuff. Just an FYI, their single disc clutch will handle 600hp on the street with very easy pedal pressure as opposed to most other companies "Dual discs" you would need to handle that day in and day out. If I can help you any further let me know
Thank you Anthony. That is exactly what I am talking about and the strain on the components will drastically shorten engine life if light flywheel deceleration is used from high RPM. I only posted this information so that the users of light flywheels would be aware of this. I really enjoy driving a car with a light flywheel, but I am careful to always decelerate with the brakes. My Vette has a light flywheel and it will grab RPMS so fast that it scared a girl at the car wash one time when she started the car to move it forward. She just started it with her foot on the gas and it revved up so fast that she was scared of hurting it. She then got out and asked me to do it.
I have installed the Fidanza Aluminum Flywheel with the steel friction surface. Steeda and LFP both sell the fidanza flywheel. After a complete season using this flywheel I feel that it is the best buy in flywheels. The Centerforce Aluminum flywheel is double the price. The difference is that the Centerforce is made of 7000 series Aluminum vs 6000 series for the Fidanza. Both the Fidanza and Centerforce are SFI certified . I am using it in conjunction with a Centerforce DF Clutch with no chatter and it's holding up well to 5000rpm launches with around 475rwhp.
