Flywheel Advice

[73 240Z Man]

I dropped my trans in my 240 to replace the rear main and discovered that my flywheel needs to be replaced. Searching the internet, I have found resurfaced flywheels, factory replacement flywheels and performance flywheels. My question is which one should I buy? The car has a built L26 and a 4 speed which I am thinking on swapping for a 5 speed.

Also, what clutch should I use.... the Centerforce clutch i put in years ago still looks good

And I need to do this on a limited budget...

[olzed]

Why do you think the flywheel needs replacing?

[Wade Nelson]

Go to the junkyard and buy a used flywheel. Pay $20 to have it turned and get back on the road. Or buy a resurfaced one.

Be SURE you clean the oil off the flywheel after it's turned using a can of brake cleaner before re-installing in the car. The machine shops leave 'em oiled because otherwise they begin to rust within a few hours, and customers HATE seeing rust after paying $20 they expect to see shiny metal.

Lighter flywheels are great if you want to rev quickly to higher rpm's. For good solid take-offs, far more common in a daily driver, the stock (heavier) flywheel gives best launch performance.

While I might re-use a clutch with good meat still left on it, I'd STILL replace the throw-out bearing JUST BECAUSE...if it failed a year down the road, you'd be kicking yourself for having not done so when you already had it apart..

[73 240Z Man]

@ Olzed: some of the teeth edges are ground off..

@ Wade: Thanks for the input... that's exactly what I wanted to know... I am going to get a resurfaced one..

Chris

[73 240Z Man]

Will the flywheel from a 280z / 280ZX work?

[olzed]

@ Olzed: some of the teeth edges are ground off..

@

Chris

The only thing affected by worn teeth will be the operation of the starter. Does it start easily or does it make grinding noises sometimes?

You can fit a new ring gear if need be, but you need a source of heat.

[73 240Z Man]

Yes, occasionally it made noises while starting. Can I take it to a shop to have the ring gear replaced?

[Diseazd]

Yes, a 280Z or ZX will work.Just buy an old stock flywheel and have it resurfaced for $10.00.

[73 240Z Man]

If I buy a resurfaced one will I need shims?

[Wade Nelson]

If I buy a resurfaced one will I need shims?

No. No. No. No. No.

[Zed Head]

If your starter and clutch worked well, and the flywheel and clutch looked good, then you may not need to do anything. The ring gear teeth always look a little worn just because of the beating they take when the starter gear hits them.

[EuroDat]

If you want to have a cheap fix and the only problem is the ring gear. Its easy to replace yourself. Just tap it off with a hammer and punch or use a chissel between the teeth. The chissel will expand the ring and lossen it.

To mount the new one: Put ice in a garbage bag and lay it on the flywheel for an hour. The garbage bag keeps the flywheel as dry as possible. While the flywheel is cooling down (and contracting at the same time) put the new ring gear in the oven for 30 minutes @ 220degC (400degF). This will expand the ring gear enough that it will fall in place. Dry off the flywheel of any condens. Condens can chill the ring gear and lock it in the wrong position. Use oven mittens or gloves and drop the gear into place, turn it to make sure it in position. It should lock within seconds so be quick.

Cheers