Flywheel strength? Pics
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,128
Likes: 21
From: North Alabama
Flywheel strength? Pics
Update...flywheel is 4340 STEEL not aluminum. Still need to know of any problem with this machining...
Ok...so this aluminum flywheel, using the stock flywheel bolts, caused a slight interference with the springs on the flywheel side of the clutch disc. I took the flywheel to a machine shop and had them take 3/16 of an inch out of the bolt area (in red) to allow the springs on the clutch disc to clear the bolt heads on the flywheel. Is there a concern as far as strength or integrity of the flywheel in your opinions? Please advise. I have started at the ran the car up to about 3000 rpms but the car has not been driven to to the body sitting next to it...
Ok...so this aluminum flywheel, using the stock flywheel bolts, caused a slight interference with the springs on the flywheel side of the clutch disc. I took the flywheel to a machine shop and had them take 3/16 of an inch out of the bolt area (in red) to allow the springs on the clutch disc to clear the bolt heads on the flywheel. Is there a concern as far as strength or integrity of the flywheel in your opinions? Please advise. I have started at the ran the car up to about 3000 rpms but the car has not been driven to to the body sitting next to it...
Last edited by Jclgodale3; Apr 3, 2005 at 01:57 AM.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 607
Likes: 0
From: North Alabama
Well, my neighbor and I had some concern, but it aint nothin' compared to the problems the chunk out of the 12 o'clock position is going to cause. might need some kinda counterweight at the 6 o'clock position...LOL. 
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,128
Likes: 21
From: North Alabama
Originally Posted by vettepilot68
Well, my neighbor and I had some concern, but it aint nothin' compared to the problems the chunk out of the 12 o'clock position is going to cause. might need some kinda counterweight at the 6 o'clock position...LOL.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 38
From: Fremont CA
I would say if it is better than 1/4" thickness left that you are OK. I wonder why the disc interfered to begin with? Are you sure you are installing the disc in the correct direction? The small retainer plate that captures the springs in the center hub should always go towards the transmission side. You said the flywheel is aluminum but, I don't see any steel friction surface on the face of the flywheel. The clutch disc will tear the heck out of an aluminum surface if thats what it is made out of. I wonder, is the flywheel a "Ebay Special" made in China part. I use the 67-9 L-88 14lb nodular iron flywheel in my Vette and have used them for years and always been happy with them. Maybe you want to consider pickin one up at GM Parts Direct.com for your Vette. I hate the transmisson removal job myself and want to do as little as possible. Good Luck, Eric B.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,128
Likes: 21
From: North Alabama
SolidLt1...yep, I am sure the disc was facing the right direction (smallest flanges forward) The springs "just caught" the bolt heads. Installed backwards would have been even more of an issue! So...how much are we talking for the one you are describing? The nodular one...
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,286
Likes: 4
From: Guam
Yep, that is a little much. And if it is hitting, chances are that it is a used part that already has been turned down. IS it new or did you get it used? I would not chance using it. What would happen if it let go? Nevermind, I do not want to know......
Consult the clutch manufacturer and see what he thinks. I think that somehow the parts are mismatched if the clutch and flywheel are new.
Consult the clutch manufacturer and see what he thinks. I think that somehow the parts are mismatched if the clutch and flywheel are new.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,128
Likes: 21
From: North Alabama
Sharky and anyone else who has responded...I stated this was an aluminum flywheel...I was wrong. It is made from 4340 Steel. Will this make a difference? As far as strength? Oh...and it is a new flywheel
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,128
Likes: 21
From: North Alabama
Originally Posted by 69monzaredbigblock
Could the problem be with the bolts being used? Wrong bolts, maybe too many washers under the heads? Just a thought.
