I'm converting from auto to manual (T5) and am in the process of aquiring parts. Please help me decide which flywheel to get.

I have two GM part #'s, 14088646 and 14088650. The first is a lighter flywheel.

I read an article on flywheels that said "a lighter flywheel lets the engine rev faster once you get the car going. A heavier flywheel is recommended for street use as it holds more rotational inertia, allowing the car to accelerate faster from a standing start."

I was under the impression that a lighter flywheel was better, until I read that.

Also, I'll be shifting at around 6000 rpm. Engine is a modified 350. Would I be better off with an aftermarket flywheel?

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.



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Jed
89 Formula 350

 

I don't have a lot of knowledge about this but this is how I understand it. A heavy flywheel will give you more twisting bottom end torque for those engines that don't rev. Have you ever reved a dump truck or bus? They have a huge flywheel and they keep there revs when you hit the gas but throttle response it non existant. If you have a hi reving engine that like to make power when it is screaming you want a light flywheel to give you the throttle response to rev the engine to where it is making power. I have driven one of these and it is very weird to drive. I like how fast they rev up and down.

Example: I drove a newer Ford escort and when you reved it, it would keep it's revs and the car would go like stink. I think this is for 2 reasons. The car it burning all it's gas and that makes for better emmissions and I think it gives it a bit more power. This is just an educated guess?

 

A heavier flywheel is better for launching a heavy car with a small motor, because it allows alot of energy to be stored up in the flywheel before the car starts moving. Once the car is moving, it becomes a liability rather than an asset, because in order for the engine to acclerate, part of its ouptu has to go back into the flywheel instead of into moving tha car. For most cars like ours, i.e. relatively large motor in a light car, this is not necessary, and the car will go faster with the lighter flywheel than the heavier one.

For the amount of money you will spend on a GM flywheel, you're about 3/4 of the way to having a steel one that won't be so likely to blow up and cut your car (and legs) in half... something to think about...

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"So many Mustangs, so little time..."
ICON Motorsports

 

Thanks guys, this makes more sense to me now.

RB, I see your point. The lightweight GM flywheel is going to run about $200. I was also looking at the Hays steel piece for $230. They're heavier though, I have to see what else is available. I was leaning towards aftermarket anyway. And an SFI blanket.

Anyone have any suggestions as far as aftermarket flywheels go?

 

Stock flywheel weighs 30 pounds. The lightweight flywheel is 15 pounds. Both GM flywheels are cast iron, and not good for high rpm.

Aftermarket billet steel flywheels are 30 pounds, just like stock. And, they are stronger. I have a Centerforce billet steel flywheel and it is also SFI certified. I paid $200 for it new.

If you want a lightweight flywheel that will not explode, aftermarket aluminum flywheels are available. They have a steel insert for the clutch face. They also cost a LOT of money and wear out sooner.

 

Tom, where did you buy your Centerforce flywheel? I looked in my Summit, Jegs & PAW catalogs and did not see any.

 

Jeg's sells Centerforce stuff. Call them and they can give you a price. I bought mine from www.thelapd.com