Aluminum Flywheel. Less than $399?

[Chapel]

Before I go throwing down $399 for the Turner Ally Flywheel, are there any cheaper alternatives?
I remember someone here selling the same brand that Turner sells but for cheaper.
Now that I work for Porsche/Audi/BMW/Lamborghini/etc..., I have a LITTLE money to throw around

[Jordan]

Why not have your stock flywheel lightened? You can take it down to 11-12lbs safely for about $80-100 machine shop cost.

My 12lb lightened stock flywheel spins up plenty fast.

[Chapel]

Think Ill go that route
do you happen to have a template for shaving it properly or know where I could get one?

[Jon '92 325ic]

Metric Mechanic sells lightened flywheels for $250

Metric Mechanic sells lightened flywheels for $250

[mgold]

Why not have your stock flywheel lightened? You can take it down to 11-12lbs safely for about $80-100 machine shop cost.

That's my plan. I've seen the write-ups on converting to a 325i flywheel and its sound more complicated than I want to try.

[e30Matt]

Why not have your stock flywheel lightened? You can take it down to 11-12lbs safely for about $80-100 machine shop cost.

That's my plan. I've seen the write-ups on converting to a 325i flywheel and its sound more complicated than I want to try.

You have a dual mass... Thay can't be lightened that far. You'd have to get a single mass flywheel (i.e. the 325 piece) to get that kind of lightening.

[mgold]

If it can be lightened even 25% that would be a huge improvement

[aaron_silva]

That would still be heavier than a stock single mass. If you are going to drop the tranny to lighten the dual mass, you only have to change a few more things in order to fit the 325 unit. Basically, if you could install the lightened dual mass by yourself, you could swap over to a 325 unit by yourself.

Aaron

[Jon325i]

I've seen the write-ups on converting to a 325i flywheel and its sound more complicated than I want to try.

I don't see how it can be all that more complicated than if you were to do a clutch job using all stock parts. Read below...

Taken from Stu's M42 Tech Write-up

The 325i flywheel requires a few other modifications to be fitted in the 318iS. Here’s what you need: 325i flywheel, 325i clutch, 325i pressure plate, 325i drive-pinion for the starter motor, and a ‘78-’83 323 throw-out bearing. Replace all these with the 318iS parts and it bolts right together.

Now there are a total of 4 items mentioned.....the only extra being the 325i drive-pinion bearing to make it all work. Whenever you do a clutch job you will have to replace the clutch, pressure plate and throw-out bearing....I consider those mandatory parts for this repair. So this really can't be anymore difficult than a standard clutch job with one extra item(325i drive-pinion)....and I'm willing to wager a plate of Sizzler's heat-lamp fries it isn't all that much more.

General cost comparison (prices taken from BMA)

M42 Clutch Parts:
Clutch cover w/ twin mass flywheel (pressure plate) - $80.80
Clutch disc w/ twim mass flywheel - $82.66
Throw-out bearing - $31.24
Total cost: $194.70

M20 Clutch Parts
Clutch cover (pressure plate) - $68.14
Clutch Disc - $87.02
E2 320i Throw-out bearing - $31.24
Total cost: $186.40

So the cost of the "mandatory" parts is fairly similar with the M20 just a few bucks cheaper. Now if you were to take your dual mass wheel to a machine shop for lightening, the cost could run over $100....depending on their labor rate. A stock M20B25 flywheel (used) can be had for less money and you wouldn't need to lighten it (its already lighter than the dual-mass), although you could if you chose to do so. I've seen used examples in perfect shape trade hands for $50. The unknown part of this upgrade is how will the lightend dual-mass flywheel perform. Wobble issues? Increased driveline harmonics? That's the nice thing about the M20B25 flywheel.....just one simple piece of metal.

Jon

[mgold]

When it comes time for a new clutch, you guys are invited over to help!