[TR] [6pack] Flywheels

[N197TR4 at cs.com]

Miscellaneous Thoughts

Flywheels are a good subject. I am convinced that it is the best bang for the 
performance buck, when lighter than stock.....a very good article was done on 
this in the Six Pack Magazine.

TR flywheels are notoriously heavy....there appeared to be a need for the 
market to be able to smoothly accelerate in fourth gear from 20 mph.  maybe the 
Brits were thinking of the Americans and their Slush-O-Matics.

Going on, some folks report stalling the car with a 10# flywheel on startup.  
Might be the X factor. (The difference between driving styles)

Take a look at the offerings that Miata has for flywheels. One is 9#s for 
competition and one is 13# for street/autocross.  That may validate my "X" 
factor. Perhaps.

I prefer the 10# steel design for my TR4 #197, but that may just be personal 
preference. And I was able to acquire one for a reasonable price from Germany 

In extreme applications alloy flywheels have been known to come adrift. On 
the other hand, Greg Solow has run alloy flywheels under great duress for 25 
years without a problem (in four cylinder TR engines)  Another "X" factor 
condition?

Otherwise, I would go with with a lightened flywheel done by a competent 
machinist with a good set up....Richard Seaton has a good sounding recommendation. 
Great price, too.  Always a consideration for me.

Finally, sometimes a good pair of jeans fit just right...and sometimes they 
dont. Might depend on what you stuff in them. Or as Forest Gump says....

Joe A


> Hi Bob,
> 
> I have the Fidanza flywheel in for a few years and love it. All of the 
> plus's of a lighter flywheel without the fear of 30 year old metallurgy 
> flying apart. Besides, you'll never be able to lighten the steel 
> flywheel enough to compare to the aluminum unit , 13lb w/the ring gear. 
> If you go this route let Herman know , he had to make a special pilot 
> bushing to work with the flywheel & W58 gear box. The new bushing also 
> fits in the end of the crank.
> 
> -- 
> Mitch Seff
> Oceanside, N.Y.
> 

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