Alum flywheel?

[vinnygt]

Hello;

I have 2 aftermarket items that I wish to use for my HP Olds 215 project.

The alum oil pan I posted recently. The other item is a Weber alum flywheel. The question is how safe are these? The few references I was able to find; these are not too safe for HP applications. This has a steel surface friction plate and I have not sent out to have inspected for cracks or flaws (via fluorescent dye z-glow or eddy current machine, etc). Before I invest anymore into this flywheel with the inspections, re-surface & re-balance; If anyone has used or still running one of these Webers? Any input would be appreciated.

Thank you, Vince.

[mgb260]

I don't see a problem with an aluminum flywheel, especially with the steel wear plate. Some have trouble starting out without slipping the clutch.

[88v8]

Hello and welcome.

Can't help with your specific flywheel, but there is some discussion on HAMB you may have seen
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/insert-for-weber-aluminum-flywheel.1035341/page-2 where Weber is mentioned, with negative comment about cast alloy. So if this is cast as opposed to forged or billet, and you plan on a lot of revs or HP, perhaps better forget it.
After all, you only have one pair of legs.

There was an interesting discussion on flywheels here http://forum.britishv8.org/read.php?6,43441 and you'll find a lot more if you put Flywheel weight into the search box.

Ivor

[roverman]

IF cast alum and ancient/corroded = PASS ! Any rem. metal supply, buy $10. worth of 6061-T6,( easiest to find) or even stronger, 7075-T6. New ring gear $30 ?  Machine it exactly as you want. Bolt in Fidanza steel insert = done.   Art.

[Moderator]

Well... if you don't use it as a flywheel, it might make an awesome decor item.  You could convert it into a wall clock, for example.

[BlownMGB-V8]

Good luck finding a chunk of 12-13" diameter or square x 1" thick billet aluminum anywhere for less than $100, even at the scrapyard. It also needs to be turned to accept a friction face and you have the cost of that too. Not quite as simple as it sounds. By the time you are done making the custom flywheel the aftermarket one doesn't sound quite so bad.

Jim

[roverman]

Jim, your right about the $10. for remnant alum. What do you pay per lb. ?  Why not put a Fidanza insert into the 215 Olds auto, flywheel ?  I like your clock idea. Perhaps you could cut up one of your fabulous 300/340 iron lumps into a clock, or a coffee table ?  
                                  Cheers, Art.

[roverman]

Sorree, clock by Curtis

[BlownMGB-V8]

Tell you what Art, if you have blanks suitable for making an aluminum flywheel lying around in your local scrapyard for ten bucks, go buy me a half dozen of them and I'll double your money.

Jim

[roverman]

Too generous, I'd feel guilty.