Flywheel options

[RotoFlexible]

I need a 6-bolt flywheel for my eventually-to-be-rebuilt engine. It will be a 1700-cc, set up for street driveability rather than high-end power. I've looked through the archives and come to the conclusion that in this case, a lighter flywheel is better, up to a point.

It appears that I have four options:

1. Stock
2. Stock, lightened
3. Aluminum
4. Light-weight steel

Option 1 is straightforward. A flywheel in good shape with a good ring gear was just on eBay for $50 starting bid with no takers, and there are others available to me. Option 2 appears straightforward as well.

Option 3 seems limited, at least in the U.S. Tilton no longer lists flywheels for the Twin Cam, nor does Fidenza. I did find one reseller that lists a Fidenza flywheel for "Elan 64-74" at $400, but not sure it is actually available. I found another reference that shows its weight as 8 lbs. I can also call around to the other U.S. suppliers to see what is available.

Option 4 so far consists of some Burton Power listings - expensive and requiring overseas shipping.

Any opinions or other U.S. sources that I should check?

Thanks,
Andrew

[elancoupe]

I have a motor with a very similar setup. Option 4 was recommended to me by the race motor builder who did my bottom end.

It's been a few years, but I purchased my lightened steel flywheel through JAE in California.

[rgh0]

Hi Andrew

For a 1700 cc road car with road rather than race revs and drivability as key targets I would see no real reason to go beyond your option 2 which is relatively cheap and easy to do.

cheers
Rohan

[archigator]

I've had a Fidanza aluminum flywheel installed for several years now, and I'm quite happy with it. It's quite driveable on the street, although I was aprehensive about that before I installed it. (Weighs 8 pounds) I bought mine on eBay from someone who had four or five for sale in a Dutch auction. I see on Fidanza's website too that it is no longer listed; it's a shame, but you can Google it and find several suppliers who have them in stock. (http://www.jazzproparts has them for $379.79) I got mine for $250.00, but they typically retailed for $459.00 back in 2003, so around $400 ain't too bad in 2007...

Gary
'71 Elan Sprint
Miami, FL

[RotoFlexible]

I've had a Fidanza aluminum flywheel installed for several years now, and I'm quite happy with it.

It is a thing of beauty to be sure. I now have a used stock flywheel in hand and will submit it to He Who Must Be Obeyed (a/k/a my engine builder). If he sends it to join the ever-growing pile of reject parts, I may look for a Fidanza. Thanks for the pointers.

[alaric]

Hi.

Out of interest what sort of difference will a lightened flywheel make to a twincam? I know from experience that it transformed the low end performance of my old mini. I would be interested in doing this to my own car instead of / before re-porting the head, as it should impact the low end performance in first and second, where the extra responsiveness will make a difference.

Of course I need to get the car back from the paint shop first - he's still not finished it. I'm even considering buying an Elise to keep me happy while I wait...

All the best.

Sean.

[dlbarnes1]

I aqquired a Fidanza flywheel in Nov 05. The purchase was made thru Cyberspace Automotive Performance in Florida. Cost was $355 delivered. Maybe it was the last one, but beat the bushes and one may turn up.
As would be expected, the throttle response and acceleration is improved with some sacrifice in low end smoothness.

Dave 72 Sprint DHC