Lightened Flywheel

[TStark]

I'm winding down my mods, but this one has never left the list. So I am also looking forward to your observations.
We may cross paths at an event due to our proximity.

[RRoller123]

Car is in the shop but there is no rush, so they have it sitting prominently in the front corner of the shop and I think they will get to it next week. Will advise!

[timspider]

I'm also curious about how it goes with the 9 pound. I just got the "medium lightened" one which fits my budget better. I have a 78 and just weighted these today. Old flywheel 19.2 pounds. new replacement is 12.8.
I'm thrilled with a brand new flywheel and a 6 pound reduction, just curious what the real world differences in performance between the two are.

[RRoller123]

I just measured the flywheel off my 81 engine (I assume this is the same as an 80)

18 pounds, 6.6 ounces (without bolts, flywheel only. Digital scale)

So at 8.5 pounds for the lightened FW, that is a 54% reduction in weight.

Pete

[amawds]

I just installed the lightened (not aluminum) flywheel from autoricambi in my restomod. Got to rev it a bit and it sounded much meaner and snappier until I smelt fuel and shut it off. Found hard lines in the car leaking badly, and some seat rail rust. Today a new rail is being welded in and in the next couple days the car will (knock on wood!!!) be driving so I'll report back with first thoughts on a slightly heavier flywheel than what's being discussed here.

[RRoller123]

How much does AR's weigh?

[timspider]

Mine is from AR. It's a shade under 13 pounds. Heading out to the barn to install now.

[RRoller123]

Car is back and have had a chance to drive it with the new clutch and Mark's lightened flywheel installed. The difference is significant, it is much faster off the line, and quicker at all revs. There is no noticeable change in idle smoothness or other street manners. I don't notice too much difference when I take my foot off the accelerator, which has been mentioned as a possible effect, but the deceleration is a little quicker, yes. The idle is now ~100 rpms higher and I will need to reset it to get it back down to normal. My overall impression is that this is definitely a great upgrade, and I would do it again for sure. The only caveat is the cost of installation. I don't have a lift, so I used my local mechanic, and was getting the Clutch/TO bearing/Seal done at the same time, so it was ok, but having to pay a mechanic to pull all the parts necessary to get just the FW installed could get expensive. Over all vote is YES.

[AriK]

Very interesting! How many hours did he charge if you dont mind my asking?

[RRoller123]

I had a lot of other work done at the same time, clutch, brakes, seals, etc, and we didn't break out the time. But it is a big deal to get this up on the lift and remove enough stuff to changeover a flywheel. I couldn't possibly do it in the driveway in New England. I frankly would do it only with other work necessitating going in there, but imho it is definitely worth it. A simple bolt-on increase in performance, with no active engine work at all. The cams and a ported and valved-up head are next.

[AriK]

Next time my transmission comes out it definetely gets the flywheel. Oh man, the gear redux starter too, it never ends

[timspider]

Almost 2 months later and all I can say is that the engine seems to run very well with this lightened flywheel. At idle. Sitting still. Runs great.
So the new oil pan seems to be doing it's job, the flywheel seems good, the check valves, the electric fuel pump, the block off plate, the stealth ignition, all seem to be working. Engine starts easier than it has in the past, and runs so cool at idle on a hot day that it takes over 20 minutes to get the temp needle to approach the middle of the gauge.
The one thing I seemed to have screwed up is the clutch. Which is kind of a big deal. After a week of on and off chipping away, I have the clutch pedal situated and catching the cable in the right way (holy moly) so am close to having these pedals back in and functioning.
Current plan is to then take a few stabs at freeing up the clutch over the next week and then just have it flat bedded to someone who knows what the hell they are doing.
Overall this past year has been as crummy and frustrating as the first one was awesome and exciting.
Go figure

[davery]

Next time my transmission comes out it definetely gets the flywheel. Oh man, the gear redux starter too, it never ends

What advantage is the gear redux starter?

[So Cal Mark]

faster cranking speeds, lower amperage draw, only 8lbs compared to 16lbs for the oem starter and smaller so it's MUCH easier to change

[timspider]

I also have the gear reduction starter. Works great.
Oh, for a functional clutch!
And now I saw a brand new brake fluid leak- coming from the transmission tunnel area. Need to learn about brake lines and flaring. Looks like I'll be missing the pittsburgh freakout just like i missed the Chicago freakout last year.
Perhaps I will meet some of you at some future event.
Car should be completely rebuilt in about 2 more years.