How does the Mazdaspeed 9 lb. flywheel compare to the RB 8lb aluminum flywheel?

Mike

 

The mazdaspeed if heavier by about 1 lb.

 

i have the RB 12lb alum flywheel. I quite like it. Quicker shifting and everything you would expect from a lighter flywheel. The only thing i will say is if for a dd then dont get it. Driving in traffic is a bitch and normal starts are a bit choppier and harder to do. But great for on the track.

For a decent mix if i was going to do it again would be to go with the lightweight steel one which is about 16 lbs.

Did a quick look and not sure where you found the 8lb rb.....???

 

i think that's without the counterweight.

 

Yeah, it's without the counterweight. BTW---How many pounds is the stock SE flywheel? I think it's 23.

 

GSL-SE is like 27 pounds, but it is mostly concentrated in the middle with just a slim edge most of the way around. Compared to the earlier 30 pounders, which had a lot of their mass at the outer edge, the S3 12A and 13B flywheels are a lot more responsive and fun to drive.

What's even more fun to drive, and I found it actually easier in the white '83 GSL, is a light steel flywheel. The light steel flywheel is an excellent choice. I have two.

The aluminum is great if you're into superchargers because as a rule you always want to go one step lighter in the flywheel to make up for the extra rotating weight of the SC. It basically feels like a light steel flywheel when it's all said and done. In other words, perfect.

Mazdatrix says aluminum is best if you're road racing or driving a fuel injected street car.

I can tell you aluminum isn't that great in an REPU. Especially when you're towing. It can be done, but at least go with light steel. Heck, I plan on supercharging my REPU some day with a light steel. No aluminum for me in that thing. In the end it should feel like one of the lighter stock 13B flywheels. Maybe similar to a GSL-SE or 2nd gen S4 NA or something. It will retain enough mass for towing, but still be more fun to drive around town than with the current stock 30 pound nightmare that's currently on there. If I wasn't planning on an SC, I'd get a GSL-SE flywheel.

 

What I can't understand is why there are some that say the aluminum flywheel is awsome and doesn't affect the driveability of the car at all, and others say that it is difficult pulling out from a stop, etc. Does the clutch set-up have anything to do with how well/bad an aluminum flywheel responds?

Mike

 

it's because things like this are subjective. there will NEVER be a concensus. people have different clutch techniques. where you live may have a profound effect as well - flat vs. hilly. finally, it also comes to what compromises you're willing to make and how well you can adapt.

 

Revs fast and drops fast also.

 

I love the aluminum flywheel that is on my car, it is not that bad when i drive it in traffic.