what up guys,
would a lighter flywheel/clutch assembly increase engine response?
i dont want to sound stupid, and im pretty sure it does, i just wanted some pros and cons...


thanks,
peter

 

it makes a difference, but some dont like the extra noise it makes.....
I love mine....

 

A lighter flywheel/clutch reduces rotational mass that needs to be accelerated and decelerated as the rpms increase or decrease. The torque the engine had to produce to accomplish changing the rotational speed of this mass is now free to accelerate the car (and the car will be slightly lighter so it will be easier to accelerate). The response will be better.

The down side is that the heavy flywheel is designed to smooth engine pulses. This is needed especially at low rpm to reduce overall engine vibration/roughness. Also a lighter flywheel would make it harder get the car rolling without stalling the car at low engine rpm. You will have to rev the engine and/or slip the clutch more than with the stock flywheel. I do not have first hand experience with this on a MINI so others will have to tell you about these potential drivability issues

Unless you are a racing, I would not do this, or at least not until I had to go into the clutch, transmission, or differential. When I get my MCS, I will install the Quaife limited slip differential, and when doing that since all components will all be readily accessible, I will CONSIDER the lighter flywheel and clutch.

Any one who has done this care to comment on pluses and minuses of doing this change?

 

I will let you know after I drive the car with this stuff installed. I visit Helix tomorrow afternoon (just in time for Friday Shorts) to pick up the car.

 

BlueMCS

Gotta like your including the Ben Franklins - adds that touch of realism.

Nice mods - Looking forward to your comments. I hope this doesn't sound like sour grapes, but I am just thinking that I'd want to install beefy aftermarket drive shafts at the same time. ...Though I don't know what (or if anything) is available.

Cheers,
mc

 

Well, I'm still on my 400 mile "good behavior" for the clutch break-in but I can tell you that the car does run significantly smoother.

LOL - really, the engine spools up much quicker, the clutch is very streetable but you know its there, you don't miss the springs at all.

The Quaife engages smoothly but the car feels different fighting for traction rather than just spinning. The front end took a 3 foot side step to the right on a wet left hander yesterday....you can tell its gonna be fun. Also, my Azenis are so heat hardened that there is not a lot of traction there. Have to order new ones.

Very happy with the mods and a big thanks to Helix for another great job!!!

 

Hey blue which clutch and pressure plate did you use?

 

>>what up guys,
>>would a lighter flywheel/clutch assembly increase engine response?
>>i dont want to sound stupid, and im pretty sure it does, i just wanted some pros and cons...
>>
>>
>>thanks,
>>peter

i wouldn't do it unless you plan on racing the car on the track.... i had that combo in my GTI VR6, and it was louder, idles rougher, and pretty much removed a lot of streetability comfort. Its kinda like a REALLY loud exhaust.... cool at first, but after a while it will just drive you nuts. plust he performance gains seen from it really won't come to fruition on the street. So, unless you are track demon like these guys, i wouldn't do it.

(*note i am speaking from experience in my ex-VW GTI..... it may work different in the mini, but the mechanics are the same).


Cheers
-ABT-

 

>>Hey blue which clutch and pressure plate did you use?

Spec Stage 3, Fidanza 12 lb. flywheel.