Flywheel weight

[derekf]

Trying to figure out what I'm putting together in the Chevelle, another question has come up.

I found a bellhousing for it, it's the smaller of the two so I'll be running a 10.5 inch clutch; but now it's time to shop for flywheels. I've found flywheels varying in weight from 11 to 40 pounds. I know that lighter flywheels will let the engine rev quicker, and that heavier will hold the revs better during shifting but I don't know which direction I should lean.

The car is a 65 Chevelle ragtop. Engine is a mild 396 with either 10.25 or 11.25 compression and the stock GM 350hp cam (for now). Rear end is a 3.08 pegleg. Type of driving is normal street and tranny is an M20 Muncie.

From a cheapness perspective, I can get a 17 pound flywheel from Autozone for 70 bucks, if lighter works better than heavier. Buying from Summit/Jegs isn't so cheap for the heavier or even lighter ones.

So... is 17 pounds a good match for the car, or should I lean more in one direction or the other?

[chicane67]

With the 3.08's and the weight of the chassis... I would seriously lean toward a 30 pound wheel.

A 17 pound wheel wont hold the inertia that you will need to get the 3.08's rolling.

However... I am not saying it cant be done... I drove a 6.00:1 first gear ratio with a 'lightened' 20 pound wheel (probably came out to be around 18 pounds)... as a daily driver... but I wouldnt recommend it just anyone. The word "finesse" becomes an art form to get parts to live when you get to that extreme.

But in your application a 20'ish to a 30 pound wheel would be my choice.

[ProdigyCustoms]

I agree 100%, a billet 30 to 33LBS makes for a nice street set up. Especially with a slightly heavy car and a tall gear. You would HATE a light wheel in that car.

[parsonsj]

x2 ^ You will *hate* a light flywheel in that setup. I'm with Tom and Frank. Don't go lighter than 30 lbs.

jp

[derekf]

Thanks. I'm glad I asked.