I have a question. My 97 has 52,000 miles and my clutch just burned out. I will probably replace with stock clutch and have gotten conflicting advice as to whether or not I should replace the flywheel too. I think most agree it should not be machined but some mechanics say the surface can be sanded/scuffed and it is good as new.

For those that have replaced clutches, did you also replace the flywheel? I don't mind paying the extra $300 or so if I know that it is worth it but I hate to waste the $ if it totally doesn't need to be done. (Note, on the day the clutch went, it did start chattering which I am told is a bad sign for the condition of the flywheel).

Thanks.
John

 

when you remove the clutch, why not get a visual inspection of the flywheel, then decided if it needs to be changed/machined.. but I know alot of people dont like refacing a flywheel.... hey why not change it to a lighter flywheel while your at it ?


[Modified by PrjctDC2-R, 7:40 AM 10/12/2001]

 

I don't know why people say it shouldn't be machined. My old service manager wouldn't do it because he thought the flywheel was aluminium. I took it to a shop to get it redone the next time I replaced the clutch. They machined it fine and said they could machine a few pounds off it too. It was tempting, but I kept it stock. I haven't had any problems with my flywheel since I got it resurfaced.

The chattering should have more to do with the clutch than the flywheel since it was toasted, but you might as well resurface it. Or even pick up a b16 flywheel and get that lightened and resurfaced so there's no downtime. Or pick up a lightweight flywheel (do a search). I miss my 9 lb flywheel. Too bad it sucked.

 

After you remachine the flywheel, remember to ask them to put a shim on.

The chattering may due to the stop pin on the clutch disc scratching the flywheel, which is no good
If the stop pin dig deep enough, your flywheel will be gone...
But I guess it is perfect time for a new lighter flywheel?


[Modified by ITR #01-1203, 10:28 PM 10/12/2001]

 

Okay, now ya'll have me tempted. What is the advantage of a lighter flywheel and is that legal in GS auto-x?

-John

 

B18C5, what type of flywheel did you have?

 

No, a lightweight after-market flywheel is not legal for GS....

 

I think there's some misinformation going on.

Machining and resurfacing your flywheel are two different things. As far as I've heard, you should usually get your flywheel resurfaced so that the clutch disc has a clean true surface to mate to.

Machining your flywheel is where they take weight off the other side of the flywheel so it's lighter. That can usually be done safely down to 12 pounds.

It's nice to have a lighter flywheel because it helps you rev match more easily and helps acceleration in the lower gears. But it also makes the car harder to drive and you lose off the line torque. Machining your flywheel means you run the risk of it shattering since it's weaker too.

 

Lighter flywheels should not effect your torque, but can effect the inertia of your engine. With a lighter flywheel your engine will react more quickly to change, both aceleration and decelleration. Untill you get the timing down on startoff, you might have some trouble (the inertia of the flywheel wont save the engine from user error, it will have less of a cushion of reaction time for the user to catch a miscalculation). You get used to it. I have a 7lb 5.6oz. flywheel, so I speak from experience. Just thought I would share my thoughts.