Clutch/Flywheel combo for a W72
 

Hi again gang,

Excited to put the driveline back into my F/A, but I missing a few parts that i'll likely need to get new. The engine is a 1979 W72 400 with the factory crank that likely wouldn't be producing much more than 400hp at the rear wheels, and the transmission is a Doug Nash 4+1 manual box. I am re-using the original bell housing, but I don't have a flywheel for it.

What's a reasonable choice to go for on the flywheel? Just try source an ok factory one or is there a decent aftermarket fly I should be looking at? Additionally, what's a good clutch kit to match?

No expert on this but an Aluminum or Steel Flywheel ought be preferred over Stock Cast Iron. I suppose aftermarket Cast Iron would be scary.

Set for the 11" Borg Warner Pressure Plate for best feeling pedal pressure.

400HP at the rear wheels sounds like it would be a good time to upgrade to a billet steel. I have an American Science flywheel and a dual friction clutch in my W72. I would not pay more than $50 to $75 for a stock used flywheel that needs machining.

https://butlerperformance.com/i-2525...3Fq%3DFlywheel

In a 1979 Trans Am, we stroked the factory W72 400 to a 467, and we have used the Ram 1557 flywheel along with a Luk 11" replacement clutch kit and a Powermaster XS Starter, it all worked perfectly together

I've been told about Ram a few times as well, I've never heard of this brand before? A lot of positive feedback about that one. A lot of different opinions on clutches

I’ve got a LUK 11 in in my 69 GTO. Has a fresh mild built 428 with summit 2102 cam and M-20 trans. I’ve got about 400 miles on it. Was real happy with clutch at first, but in last 100 miles or so it chatters bad in 1st and reverse while disengaging when moving/parking. Very disappointed. I do drive the car in a spirited manner, but definitely not hard on it

Again, the chatter comes from the resin boiling on to the surface of the disc.
Nothing wrong with LUK parts. Have posted the fix for this many many times.

Tom V.

Several years ago, picked up never used, a new McLeod steel 11" flywheel & a Centerforce II clutch for my T-37 Coupe. That flywheel is for 2 3/4" register cranks. Soon, for another project will be buying another 11" SFI rated steel flywheel.

To get to 400 rear wheel horse "on the motor" in a W72 400, my bet is it will require a stroker assembly whose crank should have a 2 3/4" register as well. Keeping the build assembled with the stock stroke original 2.5" register crank, there are spacers avail that you can mate the 2.75" register flywheels to the later 2.5" register cranks.

I have a factory one i'd love to sell you, but shipping might be challenging. PM if you'd like to go this route.

what did you use for the throwoutbearing?

Good thing this thread got dug up, i'm about to go through all this again for my Macho T/A that has the 400 W72 and the Borg Warner Super T-10. Original clutch and flywheel were seized together rusted