Flywheel- resurface or replace?

[j_green]

So I pulled the clutch last night before getting my motor put on the stand, and the flywheel is in pretty rough shape. I've got a rebuilt gearbox and new clutch on the way, so at this point thinking I'm probably better off just replacing it... but interested to hear if anyone has experience with just having theirs resurfaced or any recommendations- thanks!

[Dpmulvan]

Has to be measured to see if it is in spec or warped et can’t eye ball it. If you have a decent machine shop that won’t lose your parts or take 6 months I’d try that route first unless your after something lighter or just have money to burn.

[Flat6pac]

Catch, you take meat off the flywheel you loose life on your clutch.
Bruce

[88911coupe]

Bruce, can you explain how that would happen? I'm not disputing it, I just want to understand the mechanics. I am replaceing the pressure plate and clutch disc on my '88 and decided to spring for a new flywheel, even though mine looked to be in great shape. Your comment makes me feel better about spending the $$!

[shoooo32]

I check them for runout with a mag base and dial indicator while still bolted to the crankshaft - if they run true I scotchbrite the surface and send them. If they're warped, I buy new. John Walker recommended not to bother resurfacing (machining) them, and I took him for his word.

[Dpmulvan]

Originally Posted by 88911coupe

Bruce, can you explain how that would happen? I'm not disputing it, I just want to understand the mechanics. I am replaceing the pressure plate and clutch disc on my '88 and decided to spring for a new flywheel, even though mine looked to be in great shape. Your comment makes me feel better about spending the $$!

It has to travel a wee bit farther is my guess

[j_green]

Checking runout with it still bolted up actually makes a lot of sense, I'll give that a shot before I pull it off. I tried giving it a quick pass with scotchbrite last night and it cleaned up pretty easily actually and I don't see any signs of excess heat so it might end up being totally fine.

If not I guess that'll be my excuse to get a lightweight flywheel

[shoooo32]

The RSR style flywheel is the sweet spot for a street car in my opinion. It makes the car more playful without being too finicky for daily driving/traffic.

[Flat6pac]

The original specification for the G50 flywheel was suggested not to be cut but replaced.
Factory suggestion.
Bruce

[gsxrken]

I shipped my 930 flywheel with my cylinder heads to Craig (CGarr) to eyeball it… he skimmed it with a cleanup pass and it’s been trouble free so far. Not sure if the 930s have more or less meat than the G50s so YMMV.

[PeteKz]

Originally Posted by Flat6pac

Catch, you take meat off the flywheel you loose life on your clutch.
Bruce

Bruce, I don't understand that either. If you flatten the whole flywheel, then the relationship of the clutch to the flywheel surface doesn't change, so the clutch shouldn't work any differently. At least for small clean-ups, say, .005" to .010".

Or is there something else affecting it?