Flywheels: Lightweight vs. Ultra Lightweight

[yashart_mp3]

Is 9lbs really better than stock? on www.corksport.com, they offer 2 different types of flywheels; A 9lb one and an 18lb one. The 18 lb one is a few pounds lighter than stock. I have hear that an ultra lightweight flywheel was a bad ideal... anyone have any input?

 

[Mike R]

I thought the stocker was 18, the mazdaspeed one was 15 , and there were 7 and 9 lb aftemarket ones.

 

[yashart_mp3]

I thought the stocker was 18, the mazdaspeed one was 15 , and there were 7 and 9 lb aftemarket ones.

maybe your right....either way, is a 9lb flywheel a good investment?

 

[Mike R]

From all I've read, everyone seems to like them. When my clutch dies, I'm getting one. Of course ANYTHING is better than the stock flywheel and it's lovely chatter!

OT-I can't belive how small that intake is! It's almost ready for install, VTCS removed, runners cleaned up a bit.

 

[apexlater]

The chatter is from the clutch. The engine will rev faster, up and down. It makes parking lot speeds a pain in the ass because you don't have the rotation mass to keep the rpms up. I'm not sure how the Proteges are, but I know that some cars will have an issue with ultra lightweight flywheels and throw CELs since the tranny freaks out.

It is good to have some weight in the flywheel, lightest isn't always best. Look at trying to get a JDM spec MP3 flywheel. Its only 5lbs lighter, not 15, so you will get the performance advantage without sacrificing drivability.

 

[Pretzellogic]

maybe your right....either way, is a 9lb flywheel a good investment?

For a track car: yes.

For daily driving: you'll want to kill yourself. Seriously, there is a reason why the stock flywheel is so heavy. Without that rotational mass, you have to rev the pisss out of it to move from a standstill, and stop and go will be murder.

 

[funktownp5]

Is 9lbs really better than stock? on www.corksport.com, they offer 2 different types of flywheels; A 9lb one and an 18lb one. The 18 lb one is a few pounds lighter than stock. I have hear that an ultra lightweight flywheel was a bad ideal... anyone have any input?

I have a Fidanza 9 lb flywheel and like it. You do have to give it a bit more

gas than the stocker but its not that bad and besides it REVS LIKE A MOTHA!

Its also supposed to be easier on the engine bearings.

 

[ForceFed]

I wish someone would just tell us what the best bet is for the street...I want to do one myself but I don't want the car to be a pain to drive.I think it would be nice to have the engine rev up faster and would seriously improve some times for me...I can slam through thr gears so is it really that big of an issue for the street?
Matt

 

[xelderx]

If you think that the 9lbs flywheel is a hassle to drive on the street then you might as well drive a minivan. It's not a big deal to get the car moving from a roll. I stalled the car a few times starting from a dead stop since I was dealing with a new clutch as well until my brain conditioned itself to remember that I had to modify my clutch technique a little, but after that it just feels normal. The only time I think about it being in the car now is when I get on it quick and the engine revs faster. Other than that it just feels stock. of course it's a whole different story on F/I cars. The reduction in rotating mass might give you more issues with the motor stalling when you let off the gas.

 

[SciFiMan]

It's one of those things that "somebody" just can't tell you. There are tradeoffs and it's a subjective judgement that each driver has to decide if they like it, hate it, or find it an acceptable improvement and will learn to live with any side effects.

Is you car for show and only driven 5000 miles a year only, to parade around at night under the city lights, setup for autox, or stop and go traffic daily comuting, or high annual miles but mostly highway driving? A driver in each of those categories my find the change good or bad, depending.

I wish someone would just tell us what the best bet is for the street...I want to do one myself but I don't want the car to be a pain to drive.I think it would be nice to have the engine rev up faster and would seriously improve some times for me...I can slam through thr gears so is it really that big of an issue for the street?
Matt

 

[Maz2001MP]

i have the fidanzda 9lber and love it also. i see almost no change in daily drivability. i can still let out the clutch at 1100 rpms while touching the gas and dont even come close to stalling. revs are really quick...

 

[Kooldino]

For a track car: yes.

For daily driving: you'll want to kill yourself. Seriously, there is a reason why the stock flywheel is so heavy. Without that rotational mass, you have to rev the pisss out of it to move from a standstill, and stop and go will be murder.

Overexaggerate much?

I've run a 9lb flywheel for years. You get used to it in a few days, no big deal.

 

[Dimitrios]

The 9lb on an N/A motor is money - I have to install mine though...

 

[Maz2001MP]

yeah my fidanza will be seeing boost soon. im sure ill have some fun..

 

[Astyl]

Yes everyones talking about the 9 pounder... what about the 7 ? that good too?