Pierre--
The shop that milled mine removed almost all of the weight from the engine
side of the flywheel--just a small amount from the recession on the tranny
side. There is more metal on the engine side than you think. They also
beveled the surfaces where the planes of the flywheel change so that the
thickness of the wheel remains constant across both planes. The surface was
also beveled as it approaches the ring gear, allowing it to remain the
original thickness at that point. When finished, the wheel is still over
half an inch thick at any point and several knowledgeable people I asked
said that was more than enough for anything below 6,000 rpm.
I understand there are other ways to optimize removing metal from the
flywheel. Brian Schlorff at Power British--who strongly recommends this
mod--has his shop person remove some metal from the engine side and
"scallop" some from the transmission side, about and inch or so from the
outer edge and between the clutch plate bolts. (My shop couldn't do it that
way, but I'm still OK with the result. It came back exactly 18 lbs.) If I
can find Brian's post describing his technique, I'll pass it along.
I've heard people question this mod to the effect that it won't idle well or
that you'll lose power at the top end. I can only say that I've experience
neither and, while YMMV, I would do it again.
Good luck.
Ian
----------
>From: "Picard, Pierre" <Pierre@incognito.com>
>To: "'triumphs@autox.team.net'" <triumphs@autox.team.net>
>Subject: Flywheel grinding - engine block dipping
>Date: Fri, Jun 16, 2000, 12:07 AM
>
>
>I'm curious to hear what the list has to say about lightening the flywheel.
>Engine reassembly is still a few weeks away but I'm curious. If I wait to
>ask, I'll forget and say "Doh!" after re-installing the engine.
>
>I've read the great reviews from a lister recently reporting the slight
>increase in acceleration this seems to produce as well as the ease in which
>it revs up.
>
>If that lister could elaborate on the new specs of his flywheel, I'd
>appreciate it. Info on which surface was machined and how much was taken off
>would be handy. I looked at mine and can't quite figure out where the 7 - 9
>pounds were taken off. My best guess would be on the clutch side ? ? ?
>
>On the subject of engine block hot dipping, is the dipping done in a
>caustic environment such as for body panels or is it a real hot steam/water
>combo? Is the head done also? With or without the valves? So far I've steam
>cleaned the oil pan and beaded the valve cover. Gunk engine degreaser for
>the block and head is next....
>
>
>Been some great information flow recently on the list. Much appreciated.
>
>
>Pierre Picard
>74 TR6 - Frame and suspention all done now....
>74 TR6 - rusty but fast
>75 TR6 - donor RIP
>
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