Aluminum or Steel flywheel
I'm faced with the fact that I might have to replace my flywheel on my C4. Archieved posts appear to indicate that the dual mass flywheel used in the C4's is no longer being produced; and it also appears that resurfacing is not an option? What is the best course to take on a after market flywheel? Suggestions and experience would be helpful.
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Re: Aluminum or Steel flywheel
John------
If you have to replace it, you don't have too many options. The GM flywheel is discontinued and I do not know of any current aftermarket replacements. Even when it was last available, the GM piece carried a list price of almost $1,300. There are probably some NOS pieces around but these will undoubtedly sell for BIG $$$$.
These flywheels were manufactured by LUK and, for some reason, LUK has discontinued the manufacture of the unit used for 1992-96 Corvettes. That's likely why the GM piece was discontinued. LUK does manufacture original and replacement dual mass flywheels for other applications.
One thing to keep in mind is this: while a dual mass flywheel cannot be resurfaced, it still might be reusable. If there is light surface scoring or bluing, that does not necessarily mean the flywheel is unsuitable for further use as-is. If there is significant cracking found, then I would not reuse it, though. If you could post good photos of the flywheel surface, we might be able to advise.
If you do have to replace the flywheel, then you will have to go with an aftermarket single mass type. I would try to select one that is as close to the weight of the original flywheel as possible, regardless of whether it's cast iron or aluminum. I believe that the reason that some of these are made of aluminum is so that the weight of a single mass can be held closer to the weight of the cast iron dual mass unit. These flywheels do have a steel friction surface.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: Aluminum or Steel flywheel
Please elaborate on "dual mass". What was the purpose or benefit? What will happen when a conventional flywheel is used in place of a dual mass?Comment
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Re: Aluminum or Steel flywheel
they were used to stop transmission "gear rattle" in neutral. if you use a std flywheel you will have gear rattle as i know of several people who have changed over. the plus is the assy is lighter than the dual mass and you will have quicker acceleration.Comment
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Re: Aluminum or Steel flywheel
Michael------
Dual mass flywheels were used for all 1989-96 Corvettes with ZF 6 speed manual transmission. The purpose was to absorb engine vibrations and thereby reduce gear rattle. When a single mass flywheel is used to replace a dual mass, increased gear rattle may be experienced.
Dual mass flywheels cannot be resurfaced although now that they are discontinued I expect someone will be working on a way to do it.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: Aluminum or Steel flywheel
Joe,
Thank you. The orginal flywheel needs to be replaced or resurfaced. I heard that resurfacing doesn't work. I can try it but don't know whether the friction plate will then properly seat to the flywheel. Anybody have experience with resurfacing a dual mass flywheel?Comment
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