Would it be recommended to replace the flywheel while replacing the clutch? If so, steel or aluminum?

I just bought my 96 SS 3 months ago with 55k miles, and so far I have already went through the chewed up pinion bearings, seal, carrier bearings, and axle bearings which were all just replaced a month ago. Now I'm hitting a fun rev in first gear with plenty of roaring but no movement ;(. It's funny because when I picked up the car, the first whole month it was solid and it quickly deteriorated. Didn't even beat it - that much.. heh.

I just ordered my Centerforce Dual Friction clutch kit, which will be arriving next week. From what I now understand after reading through the archives, it isn't the number one choice of most of you, but hey I'll give it shot.. worst comes to worse, I've already blown $530. Let's call it an experiment.

I'm wondering if I should order a replacement flywheel to throw in while installing the clutch? Any suggestions? Money wise, it's rough but I could go with the Centerforce aluminum or billet steel flywheels just to keep it all a complete set. If I can get away without it, I wouldnt mind, considering the flywheel cost is almost as much as the clutch. But if someone can back up my urge to go ahead with the aluminum flywheel and hope that I get a few hp gains from the small weight difference, I'll try it. For those not supporting the Centerforce clutch, but still recommending a flywheel replacement - any thoughts on a good flywheel that will match?

Appreciate any input.. my SS is both embarassing and frustrating at the greenlight.

 

get a steel flywheel.... i was ABOUT to not, but im SOOOO happy i did... your gonna be pissed if u take the clutch off, and see you need a new flywheel.. do it once, do it right...

cory

 

Take it to a machine shop and have it resurfaced.

 

when you replace a clutch you DEFINATELY should at least resurface the stock flywheel.

you can replace it if you want. but it's not neccessary.

for drag racing a heavy clutch is better, for autoX you want the ligher alum flywheel

i put the fidanza alum flywheel in my cammed LS1 with a SPEC 4 clutch. the FW was only 13Lbs while the stocker was near 30. the car revs up insanely fast, which is great for rev matching when down shifting. BUT starting out from a stop is touchy due to the decreased rotating mass. the engine will drop to near stalling rpms very quick if you don't get the gas-clutch just right.

i got it because i didn't and don't plan to do any drag racing (other than rare street race). but i did want the extra 5-10 hp that you get from the decrease in weight in the drive line.

hope this helps

 

Yeah I talked to a few mechanics today and they also recommended going with a steel flywheel. I plan on doing mostly regular street driving with the occasional racing, but want the options open. What setup do you have? Any pros or cons on the Centerforce brand? Should I go with the Centerforce steel flywheel or find something cheaper.. would it matter?

 

im not sure about center force on f-bodies, but my friend went throw 2 center forces on his 95 gt within about 7-8 months...(granted he beat the hell out of them though)............ i LOVE my spec... but yea, id get the new flywheel.. may not be the cheapest route, but you know your good to go for a long time....

cory

 

I am in the process of doing my spec clutch install on my '98 and I just had my stock flywheel resurfaced for $43 and its good as new, sure beats paying all that money for a new one.

 

Another vote for resurfacing.
I have that the aluminum FW sux for anything other than auto-cross. It really sux for hard launches and is wierd to get used to.