[Dave Kovar]

I just shaved an 1/8 inch off of the face of my flywheell. It is drilled for an 11 inch pressure plate.

It still weighs over 30 lbs. I thought Pontiac steel flywheels started at 30 lbs.

I wanted to get it down to around 26 lbs, I feel taking to much face off of it will ruin the flywheel. I already removed an 1/8 inch.

455/3:73/muncie m-21
Any feedback or suggestions?

[Dave Kovar]

I just shaved an 1/8 inch off of the face of my flywheell. It is drilled for an 11 inch pressure plate.

It still weighs over 30 lbs. I thought Pontiac steel flywheels started at 30 lbs.

I wanted to get it down to around 26 lbs, I feel taking to much face off of it will ruin the flywheel. I already removed an 1/8 inch.

455/3:73/muncie m-21
Any feedback or suggestions?

[Old Man Taylor]

The factory flywheel was 40 pounds. The aftermarket steel wheels are 30 lbs. I would suggest talking with the manufacturer of your flywheel to see how far they think they can cut it down. I bought a 30 lb. steel wheel from McLeod and had them turn it down to 21-22 lbs. They said they would not go any further. I was moving up in weight from a 15 lb. aluminum wheel. If you want a light one, why not go with aluminum?

[GP-K]

Dave,

You are going to have problems with that flywheel after shaving that much off the face. 125 thousandths is a bunch to take off the flywheel face.

1st, the clutch hub disk springs will most likely hit (rub) the flywheel bolts (even the really thin head ones). There really isn't much clearance between the bolts and the hub springs on the clutch disk anyway, and if you cut much off the face of the flywheel you will run into clearance problems. You could have the machine shop machine the internal portion of the flywheel center hub area down an equal amount, but I think this would weaken the structure of the flywheel too much, and your legs could be really expensive to re-attach.

2nd, you will change the clutch release geometry some too. This is of course is something that can be dealt with by the adjustable linkage pieces, and a different clutch pivot ball, but do you really want to go down this road?

I would follow OMT's recommendations about using an aluminum flywheel. I have a McLeod for my next engine, and the GP has a Hays steel flywheel in it now. The steel wheels can be lightened somewhat by machining the backside of the flywheel, but not normally the face. I would not recommend doing this to a factory flywheel.

Good luck, and good launching!

K.

[Dave Kovar]

Just for information. It is a factory 11 inch flywheel from a 455. I have .125 shaved off the face. The flywheel weighs 35 lbs. Everything fits. There is clearance between flywheel bolts and clutch springs. I bought a plate and clutch from a place that advertises in HPP. They are out of Indiana. He explained the difference between dual friction and straight clutches. The clutch is called a hustler and plate is heavy than than stock. Total price $195.00

A good topic would be "The difference on Flywheel weights and application. A 15 lb flywheel on a 455 versus 400. 6000 rpm motor versu 5000. 3700 lb car versu 3200.

Lots and lots of variables. I chose the 35 lb weight because I do not need torque. I have N 50 M T's and can't stop tire spin. I have a 4 speed and really have no plans on going to the strip, except maybe a time slip.
I feel the inertia created by the flywheel is worth more the quicker revs allowed with a lighter wheel. I am running a 455 / 3:73.

Using a G-tech accelerometer I run a 107.2 qter. I haven't messed with the car to much as far as tuning. My et's are bad, but on street tires and payment I don't expect much.

I used to go to a site where it would figure horsepower thru weight and mph. I had also had formulas. I lost them. Could someone help me this?
3800 lbs 107 mph

thanks,

Dave

[PROBRD]

Dave- I downloaded a program some time back but don't remember where I got it. I put in 3800 and 107 mph and it came up with 358 HP. Hope this helps.

[Jim Hand]

Dave,
Here is a site that has several estimating programs for power based on drag stip numbers. They are at the bottom of the page so don't give up until it is fully loaded. Have fun.
http://www.ondoperformance.com/

Jim Hand