Miata Mailing List: May 1998, Message #88

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Peter D. Lapidus wrote:
> 
> This is sort of a broad question so here goes.
> I am thinking of having my flywheel lightened (1.8L).
> I was wondering if anyone has any experience with having
> their existing flywheel lightened (as opposed to buying an Aluminum one
> which costs 4 times more).
> More specifically I was wondering how dangerous this can be. (i.e.
> exploding flywheel taking your leg off or worse)
> I have talked with a few people and the general consensus was that if
> done in moderation and if the weight was taken off the right areas of the
> flywheel (i.e. outer edge)
> then the flywheel would be safe and the integrity would not be compromised.
> What is your opinion?
> Thanks for your time.
>         -Peter
> 
> -----------------------------
> Peter D. Lapidus
> ICQ: 10784369
> gt1662b@prism.gatech.edu
> peter@ctrvax.vanderbilt.edu
> -----------------------------
See separate post on historical info re Bug flywheels...
We machined them so that there was little left other than the hub, the 
clutch friction surface, the pressure plate mounting surface and just 
enough rim to hold the ring gear.  Weakest link was the portion 
between the pressure plate mounting surface and the outer few inches 
supporting the ring gear but that was only loaded up when starting.  
All of our flywheels were precision machined and CAREFULLY BALANCED.

Lots of autox, lots of sprint racing, lots of hillclimbs and lots of 
drag racing... never broke one.  YMMV.
-- 
Bob Schnider & Tango - 90A Red
MCA #68117, Sea to Sky Chapter
Team There and Back Again
Team CRI
Team Voodoo

"Never start a vast project with a half-vast idea"