Flywheel and clutch question

Ianrhall · Post by **Ianrhall** » Wed Sep 25, 2013 5:53 pm

Finally sourced a vitesse box,bellhousing etc to replace the auto in my v8 cortina
I want yo lighten the flywheel by a few pounds, I can get it done locally- any tips on where to remove material and how much is sensible?
The box is coming with a clutch of unknown vintage so will need replacing. Any tips in a decent quality/reasonable priced clutch kit?

Thanks
Ian

kiwicar · Post by **kiwicar** » Wed Sep 25, 2013 7:50 pm

Hi
I would strongly recommend you do not do this, the flywheel is most likely 25+ years old, it will have probably done 100K+ miles and you want to reduce it's strength further by removing metal from it. . . Have you ever seen a flywheel let go? I have, the bell housing and transmission tunnel don't really slow anything down they just make the bits scatter in more directions. My flex plate shield is 1/4" thick steel, that is for a flex plate which weighs about a sixth of a flywheel. If you intend to use the flywheel keep it as is, though if you don't know it's history I would get it crack tested first. If you want a light weight flywheel buy one made in steel, your feet are worth the investment.
Best regards
Mike

Ianrhall · Post by **Ianrhall** » Wed Sep 25, 2013 8:25 pm

I had a lightened flywheel on a previous car and liked the way it seemed to rev so freely.
Take the point about its age etc
Should I be thinking about a new flywheel?
What sort of company would carry out the crack testing, never had that done before
Ian

kiwicar · Post by **kiwicar** » Thu Sep 26, 2013 10:01 am

Hi
I would buy a light weight one made of ally or steel if you want a light weight one, loads of people make them, (google), or find someone with a water jet cutter and a lathe (rob the ring gear off your existing one). as for crack testing it's all in a tin http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/leak-flaw ... s/4955027/ plus you will need a UV bulb

.
Best regards
Mike

unstable load · Post by **unstable load** » Sat Sep 28, 2013 6:22 am

For an iron flywheel I would recommend getting it magnetically crack tested.
The can kits are great, but will only reveal defects that are open to the surface, mag testing will reveal internal defects too.
By the way, I also don't recommend you lighten that flywheel, rather go the steel route.