maxpower_454

iTrader: (7)

I'm curious, how much HP is the stock cast flywheel good for?

maxpower_454

iTrader: (7)

Anyone?

guppymech

iTrader: (7)

IMO it's more of a usage issue than HP. Do you drag race with slicks? If so then you might want to get a SFI rated FW.

redbird555

iTrader: (14)

exactly. the stock flywheel doesnt have a hp per say rating but as you get into more stout aftermarket clutches the heat factor and aggressiveness of the clutch disk goes way up so you're better off with a billet piece

BALLSS

FWIW when I took my stock FW to a machine shop for balance (neutral) The guy asked when I picked it up if I "spin it high RPM"....His opinion of it was not good.

Said the metal is low grade and when he ground down the cast in weight...no sparks, just dust.

This was a LT1 factory FW.

So as noted it really comes down to use and running a aggressive clutch disc and high RPM clutch dumps, especially if running a tire, is beyond what the FW was engineered for...IMHO

I have a SFI billet FW with my twin disc clutch now.

With all this said I have not heard of a factory FW exploding....but that does not mean it has not happened in higher HP aggressive use conditions...YMMV

maxpower_454

iTrader: (7)

Ok, thanks guys. I was leaning toward replacing it anyway. The rest of the car is setup for 7-800hp so I want to make sure the clutch can take it if the car hooks.

redbird555

iTrader: (14)

absolutely then. most aftermarket companies wont cover warranty or even sell you a clutch without a billet flywheel

AMP-D

Its all about the wear capacity of the stock flywheel with more aggressive clutch disc materials. Billet steel instead of cast iron will hold up better against performance type disc. You also have less chances of the pressure plate bolt threads pulling out of the flywheel under strong centrifugal forces.

2nd Gen Fl 'bird

iTrader: (13)

About 100 less HP than stock.