I have a friend that just installed a Fidanza lightweight aluminum flywheel (12.5lbs)and a Spec stage 1 (full face organic) clutch kit in his MCS.

I was wondering if anyone else running a lightweight flywheel can tell me if it is normal for this setup to make a ALOT of noise.

From previous posts I expected some throwout bearing noise at idle either in neutral or in gear w/ the clutch depressed (which there is) but what concerns me is that at low rpms while driving in any gear there is loud gear noise (not like a whine but rhythmic clicking)which gets very very loud as load increases and faster as rpms increase. However, at anytime when the clutch pedal is pushed in the noise stops instantly.

I would appreciate if I could get some feedback/general observations, etc. from other owners running lightweight flywheels in their MCS .

Thanks in advance!

 

i have heard noise in some of my buddies flys that sounds like metal grinding and theirs were ok
good luck

 

I had a 350Z with a lightweight flywheel. At idle, without gear engagement, there would be some flywheel chatter. When accelerating, the chatter would intensify just a bit up to about 2500-3000 rpm's, then it would go away. It definitely could be heard but was not overwhelming at all. It is probably totally different with the Mini, but that was my experience. My flywheel was 17lbs as well.

_________________
SSR Comps 16X6.5 With Hoosier A3S04's(80lbs less than stock!)
Koni SA's (firm rear, soft front)
SSR Comps 16X6.5 with 215/45 Azenis
Alta Exhaust (20lbs),
Nology Hotwires,
Denso Irridium plugs,
Unifilter, 2004 SCCA Solo II GS #85 Mini Cooper S

 

I have a Fidanza and a Spec Stage 3. There is a minor amount of noise at idle that dissapears when the clutch is depressed (as you would expect). There is no noise difference from stock while running.

Sounds like a big OOOOOps.

 

Thanks BlueMCS!

 

We just finished pulling the transmission AGAIN. We didn't see anything wrong with the flywheel, clutch, pressure plate. An "old school" mechanic there in attendance suggested we swap out the clutch release bearing even though this part was BRAND NEW. The "new" release bearing that came with the clutch kit did not seem to attach as positively to the clutch fork as the old one that originally came with the car. We decided that we didn't have anything to lose so we gave it a try-

Bingo! the noise is gone!

 

>>We just finished pulling the transmission AGAIN. We didn't see anything wrong with the flywheel, clutch, pressure plate. An "old school" mechanic there in attendance suggested we swap out the clutch release bearing even though this part was BRAND NEW. The "new" release bearing that came with the clutch kit did not seem to attach as positively to the clutch fork as the old one that originally came with the car. We decided that we didn't have anything to lose so we gave it a try-
>>
>>Bingo! the noise is gone!
>>
>>


It seems that this bearing is very touchy on this car. There are some others that have had issues with the bearing after doing mods.

Enjoy the new clutch!

 

>>i have heard noise in some of my buddies flys that sounds like metal grinding and theirs were ok
>>good luck


Is it a subtle squeak noise kindof like a belt slipping?

-Jim