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New Ring Gear or the Big Kahuna........Aluminum

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Part of my Christmas Project will be to replace the chipped ring gear on my stock flywheel. I have a new ring gear sitting on my office desk acting as a paper weight, waiting to be installed (the old 3-days-in-the-freezer + 350* oven). Actually, I was gonna let a macine shop do it for me since I should have it faced anyway. Now, since the car has been set up for fast road (I love that term), how about going with one of those lighter aluminum flywheels which already come with ring gear. Any negative thoughts or remarks about these units. Ted Schumacher spent about an hour with me at the last VTR convention telling me all the positive things about them. I want to know from you guys in the field. Anyone have an issue with these babies. And, if not, does anyone want to buy, cheap, a new, uninstalled ring gear if I do get the uprated combo?
 
Re: New Ring Gear or the Big Kahuna........Aluminu

Now you offer up a new ring gear!
I just had a new one installed on my flywheel a couple of weeks ago! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jester.gif

Discussed this situation with my machinist and he told me that for a street car he would not use the aluminum flywheel since it doesn't dampen the engine harmonics very well. The most he would take off a stock flywheel for an autocross/street car was 5 pounds. These are his opinions and I do think he tends to be conservative but he has been building British engines for 35 years.
 
Re: New Ring Gear or the Big Kahuna........Aluminu

[ QUOTE ]
it doesn't dampen the engine harmonics very well.

[/ QUOTE ]

Since I no longer have the fan extension on the front of the crank (about 6 lbs.) the thought of reducing the spinning weight on the rear of the crank, or not reducing it, makes sense.
 
Re: New Ring Gear or the Big Kahuna........Aluminu

Bill,

I have an aluminum flywheel and an electric fan like you. I absolutely love it. There are no driveability downsides to this upgrade. The car revves quicker and accelerates faster.

As far as what Roman said, it does make sense. I've also heard the contrary opinion from a few people as well (Ted at TSI help design the most popular one out there). At the very least I'd get a second opinion.
 
Re: New Ring Gear or the Big Kahuna........Aluminu

Aluminum seemed better in my limited driving...

Just buy it from Jegs, not one of the big 3. (Check out the price comparison and you'll see why)...
 
Re: New Ring Gear or the Big Kahuna........Aluminu

Well, I did it. I ordered an aluminum flywheel from Ted Schumacher. His price was actually slightly cheaper than Jegs.
Made the choice, I think I will do ok by it. Aware of the negatives but since I am a fairly sane driver I think it will hold up well. Just still looking for the little punk in the Civic with the coffee-can muffler.....
 
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