How difficult is it to install a lightweight flywheel, and what kind of things should i look out for. Also, what are some techniques/tools i should use to remove the flywheel nut because ive heard its preaty tough...

 

I think you are in the wrong section. I'am going to do the alum. flywheel in a month. It isn't difficult but it isn't easy. Just need a lot of elbow grease. you will have to take out your clutch so you might as well get another one with it. People usually do both at the same time so they don't have to go back under later. Just need a powerful compressor to get the flywheel nut off.

 

Dont you also have to remove the front cover, and switch out the counterweight?

 

If you get teh Racing Beat fly or a similar one you will get another counter weight for it.

 

he is....
i am moving this.

 

You get a rear counterweight, I dont think you need to change the front counterweight. I could be wrong though..

 

racing beat comes w/ everything you need

 

You'll want a new bearing also and you'll need a puller for that. Maybe someone here has an alternative to renting a puller. RX7.com has one for rent though.
Oh best deal i've found on a light flywheel, clutch, bearing, counterweight combo is RX7store. Picked up the whole deal for 700 something. It's a racing beat flywheel/counterweight and ACT clutch combo.

 

I am pretty sure that you need to change the front counterweight as well, I know that RB's lightened flywheels come with them.

 

Actually the install is very easy -- esp. if you don't have to change the flywheel. If you don't have to remove the flywheel (e.g. an RE install like mine), it's as simple as unbolting the old clutch/PP and flywheel and bolting the new stuff on.

If you have to remove the flywheel then you may be in for a challenge. Just depends on how stuck that big nut is...

 

Okay,

so no matter who I buy a lightened flywheel from, I DO NOT have to remove the front cover, and change that counterweight that is behind the oil pump?

 

Not any reason that I can think of. I guess ask the manufacturers, but I can say from experience that you don't need to for the RB one. I seriously can't imagine any reason to, they're unrelated.

 

nope...def. don't have to remove the front cover on an FC...simple job really provided you get all the right parts. My RB flywheel didn't come with the necesaary spacers but they overnighted them to me completely free, was just a packaging error. drop the exhaust, pull the tranny, remove clutch and flywheel (have fun with the pilot bearing). Assemble new flywheel, reinstall on clutch and reinstall on crank (make sure you have a clutch alignment tool as well). I'd also recommend a new throw out bearing, pilot bearing and rear main seal...all cheap parts and you'll know its ALL fresh stuff!! whole job took about 4 hours for me and one other person (pilot bearing VERY VERY stubborn on my crank).

 

I have a RB lightweight flywheel ready to put in. My main dilema is where to but the counter weight. (1990 N/A) Does it matter where on the flywheel you postion the counter weight? Or just bolt it on any direction and put it on?

 

The Counterweight is KEYED so i will only install one way, in order to maintain the correct orientaion of the counterweight.

 

correct


if your going to be doing this i would suggest a few things.. get the car up as high as you can get it (if your doing this at your house or on the ground).. have a friend or someone handy to help you lower the tranny and to put it back up. Then see if you can uptain a air compressor with a impact gun with the correct(but oblong) size for the flywheel nut . I believe its 2 1/8 in. I makes the job a lot easier. the counter weight is put on the rear of the E-shaft right behind the flywheel. So there is no need to remove the front cover. Once you have put on the flywheel, clutch and PP. then , try tilting the engine by taking some wood and and jack and pushing up on the front of the engine a little. It makes putting the tranny back on a bit easier. Just know that if you have never pulled the tranny off your engine recently its gonna take some wrestling to get that tranny off. Same for it to go on. But good luck

 

i might through my 2cents in here and just recommend a dab of white lithium grease on the end of tranny input shaft. just a dab mind you. always easier to get it in if its lubed!!!

 

yep 2 1/8' socket

 

wow u guys rock, already got it out that wasn't to bad, I am rebuilding the tranny myself right now, I'm about half way done, about ready to reassemble (still cleaning the parts). Would never of thought of the tilting the engine back idea that would make it a hell of a lot easier. Thanks guys