Flywheels

[wizard]

Hi Guys, its been a while since I last posed a question.
My Turbo is due a new clutch [] but after 155K on what appears to be the original according to the history, it is to be expected.

I have opted for the Spec Stage 1 clutch to be used, but I was also considering changing the flywheel for a lighter item whilst the whole area was in bits. Andrew S, has recommended a Lindsey Racing lightened steel wheel.

I'd like to know more about the effects of changing the flywheel on this particular car. By changing the flywheel, I am aware that engine revs increase more quickly and more of the engine power is transfered to the wheels. I am guessing that this would help decrease the turbo lag [8|], or would the car be more likey to bog down when pulling away?

What else would I expect? I would guess increased wheelspin may be introduced if slipping the clutch to make things smoother? I haven't see any posts with anyone going with a lightened flywheel.

I am also planning to have the DPW, new performance chipset and cometic head gasket installed., this should solve my problems with the car only producing 220Bhp shown on the Jamsport Dyno. I have been running with a boost enhancer since then to cater for the weak wastegate.
I am looking foward to having at least 50-60Bhp returned!

Cheers!

 

[Fen]

I have a lightened standard flywheel. To be honest I don't think it makes a blind bit of difference, and if you consider this I think you'll agree: When the clutch is engaged with the car in gear then for the engine speed to increase it has to accelerate the entire weight of the car. I appreciate that taking a few kg off the flywheel may have more effect that the same number of kg from a static part such as the rear seat, but really when the engine is accelerating 1,345kg instead of 1,350kg how much do you think that can be noticed? I had mine done because every little helps, but I can't see as you'd notice it in isolation. You certainly won't get more power out of it because the engine makes the same power regardless of what it is connected to. When you will notice a difference is with the clutch depressed when the revs will rise and fall more quickly, though that isn't hugely different to my mind either. The biggest difference I have seen is that it's blimmin' difficult to hold 5,200 rpm in neutral for a static noise test...

 

[Fen]

But, when the clutch is engaged then for the engine to rotate it has to drive the car forward - it can't be any different to that; the rotation of the engine rotates the torque tube and the gearbox input shaft and from there the rotation is translated to rotation of drive shafts and ultimately wheels, but it's all resistance to the rotation of the engine. I really don't see how taking a few kg out of the flywheel is anything but a drop in the ocean. My experience would seem to bear that out (from what I remember of the car with the standard flywheel).

 

[Fen]

Well as I said mine is done on the "every little helps" theory and it certainly can't harm. What I guess it does do is let the engine revs change during gear changes more readily which is not great for smoothness on the road but probably what you want on track.