Competition Questions on billets flywheels???

[JFlagg]

Next week I'm getting another dual disc put in my truck to replace a manufacturers error on the one currently in my truck. All parts and labor are going to be taken care of, the only mention of me paying for anything was if I needed a new flywheel and if I wanted to upgrade to a billet one. My question is if I really need one? Are the billet wheels stronger because of HP demands or because of the relatively high clamping force of the pressure plate? I dynoed at 375HP last time, but everyone that day was getting lower than normal runs on the dyno, so realistically I place my truck closer to 400-425HP, maybe some more after switching my Comp to EZ and stacking a PM3. I don't sledpull much, maybe 2-3 times a year and tow occasionally, I just wanted a strong, solid clutch that would handle future mods and not need to be upgraded. Whats everyones experience with billets flywheels and do I need one? Funds are limited at the moment, but I'm not the kind to cut corners, I try to do it right the first time so I can forget about it later, overkill on everything is my motto I know it wouldn't hurt to have one installed, but is there a rough HP range they become essential? Thanks,



Jeremy

 

[jwilliams3]

If the manufacture is worried about their own parts flying apart they ought not to sell them that way.

 

[JFlagg]

Its not that they are worried about it flying apart, the floating disc between the two friction discs was found to be too thin (3/8") and they are upgrading to 1/2". There wasn't any failures, just that its prone to cracking from heat after extreme use, i. e. sledpulling and the cracks would prematurely wear the friction material off. I personally commend my dealer for stepping up to the plate and offering this replacment, I could see most just saying that if its used for competition warrenty is void. Clutch warrenties are hard to cash in on anyway since 99% of places consider it a "wearable" item, like brake pads. I'm just glad I don't have to buy another brand new one, I've got at least 40K on this one with no problems, other than the potential replacement issue... I'll keep everyone up to date on the progress though.

 

[MMcCallie]

I've heard of stock trucks chewing up flexplates, they are awfully thin. Check ATS or destroked.com for something you won't have worry about. Billet means an object has been chiseled down from one solid chunk of metal. I haven't seen any billet flywheels. Even the ones SFI rated to over 1,000 hp use a solid center disc with the gear welded on to the outside. I have a destroked flexplate and the solid center is about 1/4" thick. Haven't seen one stronger or better made.

 

[JFlagg]

Sorry, should have said flexplate I have looked at the ATS out of curiousity already. Been doing some unplanned maintenance on my truck the past month and truck funds are running thin according to my accountant(wife) Just wondering if running a stock one would be stupid on my part, or OK unless I get some more power. Still not sure if there is anything wrong with the one in my truck now, I'll find out more Wed. when it all gets removed... just trying to educate myself before then. Thanks for the help so far

 

[Nate]

flywheel = manual trans

flexplate = auto trans

 

[Moose Truck]

flywheel = manual trans

flexplate = auto trans

And DMF = Flexplate :-laf

 

[JFlagg]

Oh, Ok, didn't know there was a difference, Thanks!