When it comes to performance, one option you might want to consider for your car is a lightened flywheel. By using a lightened flywheel, the energy that is normally used to turn your stock flywheel will be used to turn your drive wheels instead. Essentially, the reduction in overall mass allows your engine to rev faster and get into its powerband more quickly. Unorthodox Racing has an entire lineup of flywheels with a wide variety of applications to choose from, whether your setup is naturally aspirated or force-induced. UR's flywheels are made out of aircraft-grade 6061-T6 billet aluminum, which are pounds lighter than cast iron, the material used for most OEM applications. With a lightened unit, each pound of mass that's removed from the crank/eccentric shaft can give you gains of approximately 2.7 hp; more depending on the type of modifications that have been done to your car.
The design of UR's flywheels have been made to maintain normal driveability, yet will provide overall throttle response and acceleration. The weight savings will also minimize the amount of stress placed on both the engine and drivetrain components by reducing the shock that the extra weight from the stock flywheel exerts on both systems. These flywheels are CNC-machined with high-grade materials and are balanced perfectly to ensure peak performance and long-term durability. The 6061-T6 aluminum also has excellent heat-dissipating qualities and will not warp over time. For those of you who question whether or not a lightened flywheel will have an adverse effect on the rotating assembly, fear not-UR's flywheels actually relieve unnecessary engine stress inflicted upon your engine by your OEM unit, which can be more harmful on the crank/eccentric shaft.
Installation of a lightened flywheel isn't too difficult, but it can be cumbersome. Allow yourself the better part of a day if you're mechanically declined, or a few hours if you're proficient in the art of automotive tech. You'll have to replace the pilot bearing, which is included with most applications (double-check to see if yours will require one) and make sure you install new flywheel and pressure-plate bolts as well.
Unorthodox Racing offers a wide variety of flywheels for most domestic and foreign automobiles, as well as clutch kits and other performance accessories. For more information, contact: www.unorthodoxracing.com.
The Low DownMSRP: $539 for Nissan Silvia/SR20DET (pictured); price will vary depending on your applicationPros: A great bang for the buck when it comes to performance.Cons: It's not brain surgery, but the installation can be tricky.Install Difficulty: IntermediateVerdict: If you're looking to gain quick results without spending a fortune, one of the best ways to achieve this is with a lightened flywheel.