Hi,

Wondering what everyone's thoughts and recommendations are, as I'm thinking about the following combination: JCW pressure plate and disc w/ an aftermarket single-mass aluminum flywheel.

Furthermore, suggestions as to products and vendors are also welcome. Naturally if you're in North NJ, would love to hear in person.

Thx in advance.

p/s My car is a 2012 Mini S, Convertible

Richard

 

What are your expectations? What are your current modifications?

I have not seen any aluminum flywheels that will work with OEM pressure plate. Besides, with an OEM clutch disc you want a dual mass flywheel since the clutch disc does not have any dampening springs. I would not recommend using a solid disc with a solid flywheel. You will get premature disc wear and chatter.

If you want a lightweight flywheel, I would suggest the Clutchmasters kit with clutch disc and pressure plate. They are designed to work together as a set, and still have the timing hole for chain replacements. They make different disc materials too, depending on your goals. For a street car, I would suggest their FX100 kit. I have the FX100 kit with steel flywheel on my Stage 2 Clubman, and have had no issues in the past 3 years.
Here is the aluminum FX100 kit:
https://clutchmasters.com/i-30498032-fx100.html?q=

 

All good points that I have not thoroughly considered.

Originally, my clutch replacement idea stemmed from the need (in the near future) to replace my clutch. Chatters when I back up into my driveway. So figuring if I were to replace my clutch, I wouldn't mind a beefier clutch (as I do a lot of track days, NOT autocrossing but high speed tracks) to deal w/ my sometimes missed rev matching.

Then someone suggested a lighter flywheel will go a long ways, especially on a track. Hence why I'm looking at the combination of JCW pressure plate and disc w/ an aftermarket aluminum flywheel.

Past experience w/ aftermarket clutches yielded premature failing of other parts. (i.e. slave cylinder began leaking etc.) <-- this was a different car.

 

The Clutchmaster FX100 with steel flywheel is VERY close to feel and drivability of the OEM clutch, but it holds the extra power a bit better. Might even be a little better to modulate around town, too.

If I were you, I would seriously consider FX100 kit and aluminum flywheel. The higher spec clutches will be more "On-Off" in their engagement, and might ruin the drivability around town, especially with an aluminum flywheel.

If you haven't already, consider adding a lower engine torque mount bushing inset, too. Those will help get the power down, and make the throttle feel much more direct.