lightweight flywheel or no?

[Chp5]

Hi. I recently purchased a 2003 NB Base with 5 speed and LSD. It needs a clutch. I bought it to play around with it - it's not my daily driver. I may autocross it and the occasional track day, but mostly just spirited street driving. I have no current plans to add turbo or SC.

I'm debating whether to add a lightweight flywheel when I do the clutch. I've read many conflicting views on LW FW's - from "it's the best mod I've done" to "it turned the car into a PITA to drive on the street."

I'm in the Cumming/Alpharetta area. Anyone close by who runs a LW FW? I'd love to come take a ride and see for myself before making the decision. Thanks!

[oldgrayfrog]

Worst mod ever. Stalled thearevery time I drove it. Would never do again.

[Dynra Rockets]

The 03 already has a pretty light flywheel, 18# iirc? If you stay around 13# it is drivable on the street. Not worth it IMO.

[miatastuff]

And technically if you are autocrossing in a stock class, then not legal. Just never publish your real name on the forum or pictures.

[kung fu jesus]

Best mod for the buck. As mentioned above, stay above 10# for driveability. A lighter flywheel makes the engine more lively and is really engaging while shifting up and down while driving spiritedly.

[Chp5]

Thx for the replies. Similar to what I've read elsewhere, responses go from "best mod ever" to "worst mod ever."

Oldgrayfrog- what weight FL and clutch were you running?

Kung_fu_Jeses - same question.

Thx!

[kung fu jesus]

I ran an 8# flywheel for 7 years with an ACT extreme PP/clutch. Great fun, a bit tiresome in LA stop and go traffic. The gear lash could be too. Moved to a 12# chromoly FW for safety concerns with an ACT HD clutch and it was just as entertaining, but more civilized for day-to-day. I've had a LWFW for so long that when I drive a Miata without one, that car feels clumsy and slow.

[Reverend Greg]

3rd favorite mod ever!(1.foamectomy 2. Better exhaust)
13lb lightened stocker with a lighter weight clutch, Exedy if I recall.
In your shoes, I would get a stage one happy meal from Flyin Miata, best overall deal. But, I'm biased;-)
Greg

[oldgrayfrog]

Eight pounds I think. Horrible.

[Zadnak]

I'll be going 8# flywheel whenever my clutch dies. 106k miles and the stock clutch is holding up great.

[amaff]

8# might be a bit too light. I don't know what the NB flywheel weighs, but the 1.6 stocker is 18 lbs, which is about the opposite end of the spectrum. The one I have on the race car weighs 5 lb 12 oz (the full flywheel, clutch pack & pressure plate are 4 lb lighter than the stock flywheel alone) :lol:
That's probably way further than you'd want to go on a street car. But: MAN does taking rotational mass, and reducing the moment of inertia on such a heavy driveline piece makes a massive difference and really wakes the car up.

I had something mid-weight (can't remember what off hand) on my Protege. Makes a great mod for a low HP street car, so long as you don't go too far with it.

[91LudeSiT]

I went with a 13 pound flywheel for my swap.

[Chp5]

I went with a 13 pound flywheel for my swap.

How do you like it? Which FW and clutch? Thx.

[91LudeSiT]

How do you like it? Which FW and clutch? Thx.

Dunno yet, swap isn't completed and no clue on the clutch I let Track Minded Performance pick it for me. When I find out and drive the car I'll let you know.

The flywheel was used, but I believe it may be an FM unit.

[Reverend Greg]

Amaff- what setup are you running? Sounds interesting..
91Lude- do you have photo of set up?
Greg