Aluminum Flywheel?

HiFiGuy66 · 03-07-2006, 10:59 PM

Hi All,

Assuming I need a clutch, and the flywheel that's in the car now needs to be either replaced or resurfaced, what do y'all think about a lightweight aluminum replacement? Is it a good idea, durability wise? Will I see an improvement in performance? It costs, if I remember correctly, around $340.

Thanks in Advance.

Razorback1980 · Razorback1980's Garage

IMO .... I think the 340 dollars could be better spent on suspension parts. These are not 0 to 60 in two seconds cars...especially an NA, they shine best when you put them on a road course and turn every corner without letting off the accelerator.

Dantilla · 03-08-2006, 08:19 AM

If it's a street car, I would say not worth it.

With a light flywheel, it is much easier to stall the car. You may need to blip the throttle even on upshifts because the engine drops RPMs to idle so quickly.

The car will spool up a bit quicker, but at the expense of making it less freindly on the street.

nynor · 03-08-2006, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dantilla
If it's a street car, I would say not worth it.

With a light flywheel, it is much easier to stall the car. You may need to blip the throttle even on upshifts because the engine drops RPMs to idle so quickly.

The car will spool up a bit quicker, but at the expense of making it less freindly on the street.

i was of he same opinion.

however, my turbo has the fidanza, and it has no driveability problems due to the flywheel. spools up very fast, plus less weight, plus less inertia on the drivetrain.

i say go for it.

fast924S · fast924S's Garage

I say go for it. You will have to learn to shift all over again but any good driver can do that, Engine will rev faster and you may see a power gain. I have not heard of any durability problems or driveability problems. JUST MAKE SURE YOU GET THE RIGHT PART. I ordered one after X-mass, they sent me te wrong one, Performance products has the WRONG part number listsed for or 944NA's so make sure you get the right one

Verruckt · 03-08-2006, 06:23 PM

I bought mine on e-bay for quite a bit less then that. Findenza (285 or so)

It's worth it, but only if your going to do the clutch anyway.

Geo31 · 03-08-2006, 06:38 PM

I'm amazed at the amount of BS out there about low mass flywheels. If someone can't drive with one they need to take off the skirt and learn to stand up when they pee. Most people who play down a low mass flywheel have never had one.

My highly modified SE-R and my G20 (in both NA and turbo forms) have had low mass flywheels. My G20 was my wife's daily driver and in turbo form it had a really low mass flywheel. She is NOT and enthusiast and she didn't have ANY problems what so ever.

I really like low mass flywheels. I can really tell the difference. While they don't create hp, they lower inertia, which is measured on an inertial dyno like a Dynojet as increased hp. Typically they show an "increase" of 7-12 hp. Consider how much it would cost to gain that much hp through the usual methods on an NA 944.

I cannot use a low mass flywheel on my car because of rules constraints, but if I were allowed I'd have one in a heartbeat. I would NEVER do a clutch job w/o at the very least lightening the stock flywheel and I'd install an aluminum one if I could swing it. My BMW is my "no mod" car, but when I have to replace the clutch it will be getting an aluminum flywheel.

Dantilla · 03-08-2006, 07:50 PM

My 911 has a very light flywheel, and I love it.

That being said, it does take a bit to get used to it, but soon becomes pretty much second nature.

Anybody who drives my 911 kills it a couple of times before they get it going, unless they regularly drive a 911 with a similarly weighted flywheel.

Overall, they are less friendly for a street car. Lotsa fun for autocrossing.

And I don't wear skirts.

AA_Ezra · 03-10-2006, 12:25 AM

Did you ever get the right one fast?

fast924S · fast924S's Garage

Not yet, but I did find a dealer near me that can get the right one

AA_Ezra · 03-10-2006, 03:33 PM

sweet, was hoping everything went well b/c you never posted any updates. So i guess the 924 doesent have the same flywheel as then 944's i take it

fast924S · fast924S's Garage

No the 924 flywheel is too small and had a diffferent bolt pattern and no speed sensor pickups, So since performance products uses the wrong part number I didnt want to order from them again and have to send it back again. I did find a speed shop down the road from me that sells them, I just havent gone there yet, I have been trying to figure out what I want to do for a nitrous setup and how Im gonna handle the heat, I have also been cleaning things up and just installed the balance shafts. I will have to head down to that shop soon.

Dave from KEP · 03-10-2006, 04:13 PM

Just a thought but doesn't a lightened aluminum pressure plate do the same trick? Kennedy have Aluminum pressure plates for most all Porsches, including the new 944 225mm version about to take flight.

Dave

Geo31 · 03-10-2006, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave from KEP
Just a thought but doesn't a lightened aluminum pressure plate do the same trick? Kennedy have Aluminum pressure plates for most all Porsches, including the new 944 225mm version about to take flight.

Dave

Do you have a URL for them? I must retain a stock flywheel, but pressure plate is free.

Geo31 · 03-10-2006, 05:38 PM

Perhaps I should start with "how much?"

fast924S · fast924S's Garage

Im thinking that a lightweight flywheel will free up more mass then a pressure plate but still a good idea but Im sticking with the flywheel

AA_Ezra · 03-10-2006, 11:51 PM

what happens if you do both.. Ah ha!

Dave from KEP · 03-11-2006, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Geo31
Do you have a URL for them? I must retain a stock flywheel, but pressure plate is free.

You're right. Price will be more than a flywheel. Probably $560. www.kennedyeng.com But the website hasn't been updated for awhile. You can email questions to dave4@kennedyeng.com

Dave

Dave from KEP · 03-11-2006, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by fast924S
Im thinking that a lightweight flywheel will free up more mass then a pressure plate but still a good idea but Im sticking with the flywheel

The stock pressure plate looses about 6 to 7 lbs. Not sure about the flywheel weight, but the farther out the weight is removed the more it affects the rotating mass. The pressure plate looses most of it from the outside. All of the weight from beyond the ID of the contact face. The flywheel looses its weight from everywhere including where it bolts up.

Another thought. What are the bolts biting into. Soft aluminum? or do the aluminum flywheels use a steel spacer ring for the bolts?

Dave

fast924S · fast924S's Garage

The lightweight flywheels for the porsche 944 weight a little over 5lbs the stock weights a little over 14lbs. The bolts for the flywheel DO not bolt up to the flywheel they simply go threw it and CLAMP the flywheel down, SO unless you can sher the steel bolts or sher the thick aluminum there wont be any problems. Im not saying its a bad idea It will be good for people like Geo and Im sure it will also be good if you do both. Im just saying that you will see a better improvment with the flywheel.