Lightening of the flywheel

[Jeff G 78]

1 hour ago, Reptoid Overlords said:

I know some people who have sent their flywheels off to this place and have good results. A 1st Gen RX-7 w/ 17 b motor and a MK 2 Cressida with a supra 7M-GTE drivetrain swap.

 

They are in Chatsworth.

 

https://www.racetep.com/engine-building/flywheel-lightening.html

 

Sent from my Coolpad 3310A using Tapatalk

 

 

 

 

I run a TEP flywheel in my racecar.  They took 10 lbs. off and it works great.  They must have started lightening them again.  For quite a while, they had to stop after the one guy who did their machin work died and apparently was the only one who knew the cut plans for all the various make and model flywheels they lightened.

[SoCalJim]

Thanks for the advice, guys.  I'm only thinking of reducing the weight to 18-20 lbs.  I'll ask TEP if they would do that for me.

[Jeff G 78]

I believe mine is 18 lbs. 

[SoCalJim]

Perfect!

[SoCalJim]

I was thinking more about this, which I guess is a dangerous thing. Anyway, I live in a pretty hilly area and I wonder if I’m asking for trouble by having my flywheel machined down to 18-20 lbs.  At the time I would have this done, I’d install the close-ratio 5-speed & 3.90 diff that are sitting in my garage.  Do any of you have any thoughts about, or experience with how drivable a Z would be in a hilly environment with a moderately lightened flywheel?

[grannyknot]

18lbs isn't really that light, maybe for our flywheels but 11-12lbs is usually considered a lightened flywheel.  Just shift faster☺️

[siteunseen]

My aluminum one is 11lbs.  No problems driving my end of the Appalachian Mountains.  I stall it a couple of times backing up my driveway but that because I'm trying not to disturb my neighbors.  It's kind of loud and raspy when you get the RPMs up.

[SoCalJim]

Thanks guys.  I’m probably overthinking this.  We have San Francisco-type hills around here and I guess I can adjust my use of the pedals to avoid stalling with a bit lighter flywheel.

[Jeff G 78]

My Top End Performance 18 lb. flywheel is on my racecar, so I can't say how it is on hills, but I have never had any issues with loading the car on a trailer or driving it around the pits at low speeds.

[LeonV]

I don't have any issues in the hills of San Francisco with a 10lb flywheel. The stock pressure plate and disk allow for easy engagement and an L28 with a 3.9 is plenty torquey. You're overthinking it.

[SoCalJim]

Thanks Leon!  I’m going to stop thinking!

[siteunseen]

Leon V suggested the cheap stock oem clutch and pressure plate was fine, and it was/is. Exedy 6009 I think from amazon, $100. Works great. Thanks again @LeonV

Saved me some $. I was about to go with a $300 stage 3 kit from Center Force.