One of my buddies is replacing the transmission on his car. Is it necessary for the flywheel to be resurfaced? He's kinda short on money and needs to know if he can get by without doing it.

 

It is not necessary. However, the clutch will wear out much faster if you don't.

 

If its a new clutch then do it. Its only like 40 bucks tops. If its the same clutch he was running before then hell be fine.

 

its like 19 bucks dude ... i would do it

 

The money should not be an issue. If you take the flywheel to the shop, it should be VERY cheap (should be less than $40).

As BauleyCivic said, it will wear on your clutch disc more than average. It's similar to resurfacing the brake rotors when you replace the pads. The new pads won't sit perfectly with the rotors and there will be uneven/not normal wear.