My understanding is that we are talking about rotational inertia. A 35 lb flywheel has a smaller tendency to change its velocity than a 13 lb flywheel. Obviously, a 700 lb flywheel won't help. A 40 lb flywheel might; I don't know. Let's take it to the other limit. How well would it run with a 0 lb flywheel? Automatics with flexplates have torque converters. What do they weight?

If a clutch is rated at 2600 lb (our stock ones all are), than once it engages and doesn't slip, what else are you worried about? You are getting just as much power though the clutch unless it is slipping.

 

auto's even on the newer lock up stuff gets worse mpg then its stick counter part. both have gears running in fluid my guess is that the tc sucks up some of that mpg because they are much heavier then there stick/clutch counter part.

the heavier that clutch the more power it takes to accelerate it that is taking away from accelerating the car. soooo smaller is better if it will hold. like stated before that is why they ran smaller clutches with higher pressures.

 

Are you serious? You know the problems with these forums are posts like this. People like Brian from SK and myself have been doing this stuff full time for years. Not some hobby. Every day. 1000's of tranmissions and clutches sold & built. Brian over 40 years FULL TIME now. Yet oddly some guy on a forum is going to know better. What I've learned is that few people will ever admit on a forum to making stupid mistakes. Our days our now filled with people calling us to correct mistakes made from arm chair advice on forums, crap purchased on Ebay because its "the best", or cheaper. Its good for our business. Brian's point was that they have found over years of experience what works best..... listen to what he has to say.

I have a lot of experience with alloy wheels and I never recommend for them for the street, simply because of the noise ,drivability and idle complaints. This is on going. Sometimes every week. My guess is that there are so many people making them now, selling the stuff on Ebay. why the calls have increased. They have their place in racing because you simply have better control of engine RPM's without much extra inertia added to it. Shifting is much more responsive with a light wheel. Your mileage will suffer. Sadly most people buy the wheels when putting in 5 speeds and never know how much better mileage they could have had with a steel wheel.

Its a certain combination of things that work best. Running a 700 lbs flywheel would obviosly kill acceleration completely. A hammer on the head back to you...

 

Hi 5speeds,

I'm close to order a 5 speed to upgrade my 72 454, I not into racing. I want to do long road trips and an occasional sprint.

So after all your theory and proof of skill what do you recommend? 11 or 10.5.

 

My suggestion is to purchase a clutch that gives you the easiest pedal pressure. Call up companies like Ram, Centerforce or Mcleod and tell them what your plans are and what clutch would give you the nicest feel and ease of use. This whole thread went on a tangent of Flywheels and what some manufacturers say a clutch is rated for, which may not give you the best pedal feel.

One of the guys that works for me stuck in an over kill 11" clutch that he regrets now putting in his 67 big block. The car is rarely beaten on and is driven mostly to shows. I would look for a clutch the offers the softest apply in terms of pedal pressure.

Paul
http://www.5speeds.com

 

Yes, but what is the difference in weight between a 10.5" and an 11"? What kind of difference would you expect in your acceleration?