Aluminum Flywheel on a BB
 

Hi. I just picked up an aluminum flywheel that I am thinking of installing on my 540 BB. The engine has an Edelbrock flat tappet 7162 cam that gives it a nice rough idle and plenty of pep. Anyone have thoughts on an aluminum flywheel for a street machine? What will it do to the idle?

Thanks,

Langg

I don't think it'll change the idle...isn't it just for weight savings?

Never tried one on a motor with a 4.25 stroke but every other street BB that I put one on I didn't like it.

I put one on my 385 stroker SB and would not run a steel wheel on the street again. Revs much quicker, quicker out of the turns overall much better. It requires a few more revs on take off but it took me about 2 miles to get used to it. It did not change my idle at all. With the torque of a BB you will not notice it trying to get the car moving. I barely noticed it at all and you have more torque than I do. Your going to be able to break the tires loose even easier than before. :D

I recommend lightweight flywheels for just about every application except hardcore drag racing, and only then with an underpowered, heavy car. The lighter flywheel won't effect idle, but it will make it a lot more fun to drive your stick, as matching down shifts will become far easier (syncing engine and driveline speed) because the engine will rev much quicker due to lower rotating inertia. Another benefit of that lower mass will be less likelihood of driveline breakage behind that beast of an engine you've got.

Is your clutch package SFI, and do you have a scattershield?

:cheers:

Make sure the flywheel is balanced the same as your 540-- the aluminum lighter flywheel is not an issue here, but if it's a neutral balance 'wheel for, say a 427, and your 540 is externally balanced, you could be looking at problems you don't want.

I have a GM flywheel on my 454-- 12.5 pounds. Better than sliced bread!

Thanks for the feedback.

The real reason to even be "in there" is the Lakewood SFI bell housing that is going in along with a driveshaft safety loop. With all the torque, it may be way to easy to break something while having fun. I hadn't given much thought to an SFI clutch assembly. Hmmm. Need to start research.

Thanks again.

Langg

If you're going to install an LW bell (w/plate, I assume), you might as well go ahead and pick up a pkg of .007" offset dowels. Chances are you'll need them to get it concentric with the crank CL. (Don't bypass that critical step!)

BTW, good point, TimAT. :thumbs:

You should be fine. I run an aluminum flywheel on my SB 350 on the street all the time. You get use to it pretty quick. I'll never go back to a steel flywheel again. It just makes shifting SO much easier.

Wouldn't an aluminum flywheel rev down just as quickly...kinda like a braking affect?

I think my aluminum flywheel was the best modification I've made to my Corvette. The damn thing just revs so much quicker. I have a few issues taking off from toll booths but that's more of a problem with the ceramic puck clutch. It's not the fault of the aluminum flywheel.

Richard Newton

How to Restore and Modify Your Corvette, 1968-1982

Ultimate Garage Handbook

If it's not too late ... consider getting a McLeod BH ... they usually fit better ... usually less/NO eccentricity ... usually same or less $ too.