Steel Flywheel?

winkle · Post by **winkle** » Sun Sep 30, 2007 10:58 am

I am going to run a 3.9 engine in a fairly lightweight circuit racer. Heads are ported seats re-cut, mechanicl cam, ARP bolts, roller rockers etc. I reckon it will sit at 6500-7000 for a fair bit of time during a race (hopefully!)

My question is, should I fit a steel flywheel? I know many people on the forum are of the opinion that I should for extra insurance.

I guess im already talking myself into it! If so can anyone recommend a good make/supplier, I know V8 develpoments and Real steel do them, but any other options? Also need heavy duty non adjustable pushrods.

Any help appreciated

Cheers Steve.

Ian Anderson · Post by **Ian Anderson** » Sun Sep 30, 2007 12:40 pm

How much do you value your legs?

If that lets go at 7000 rpm the damage will be extreme.

I'm not being a killjoy but would suggest a serious bomb blanget around it

Ian

winkle · Post by **winkle** » Sun Sep 30, 2007 12:53 pm

Thanks Ian,

Point well and truly taken! any ideas on a few suppliers?

Cheers Steve.

ian.stewart · Post by **ian.stewart** » Sun Sep 30, 2007 3:06 pm

The answer is a BIG YES, I have seen a couple of flywheel explosions, I used a DJE Steel item, mote than happy with it as well, secuted with ARP bolts as well, same as SBFord flywheel bolts,, a mate of mine had a clutch let go on the rollers on friday at around 7.8k, made a big mess http://www.oldskoolford.co.uk/phpBB2/vi ... hp?t=56313,
especially as he has just spent a fortune on the engine only to have the pressure plate let go,
I use a Helix pressure plate which is supposidly "Explode resistant"
Go for it!!!!!

winkle · Post by **winkle** » Sun Sep 30, 2007 4:11 pm

Yeah, why are there so many Ians on this site!!

Aprreciate your advice Ian, had already pretty much talked myself into it but will definately do it now!

Cheers Steve.

davemgb · Post by **davemgb** » Sun Sep 30, 2007 8:42 pm

If you've spent the money to get an engine worth running at those revs then the steel flywheel cost is probably irrelevent. How much power are you hoping for? What gearbox and clutch will you be using?

Real Steel will do you a pushrod kit but I don't envy you having to get the length right on 16 pushrods! Then after a bit of use they will all wear a bit and be wrong !!!

Dave

chodjinn · Post by **chodjinn** » Mon Oct 01, 2007 2:54 pm

i have an unused set of ARP flywheel bolts here if you want them at cost price. they dont fit my fancy racing alu flywheel!

Speaking of which, what are peoples opinions of Steel vs Aluminium??

winkle · Post by **winkle** » Mon Oct 01, 2007 6:00 pm

Thanks for the offer of the bolts Olly but already got them.

As far as steel vs ally I guess it depends on how much engine braking you want. Ally will help spin the engine up much quicker but you wont get as much slowing it when you shift down. Obviously the opposite to those statements is the case for steel.

Dave, its not going to be extreme power by any stretch, maybe 240ish but it will be sitting at fairly high RPM for much of the time

Wont know for sure til its on the rollers. Thinking of using a Getrag gearbox, im sure thats what was in it before I got the rolling shell.

Steve.