Street Driving with Mcleod Lightweight Flywheel?

Anyone using the lightweight Mcleod flywheel #464122 on the street? If so what car weight, gear ratio and tire diameter do you have? More importantly, what can you tell me about how it drives with your combo? I have seen spec'd weight for this flywheel in the 20 to 22 lb. range which would place it between an aluminum flywheel and an OEM flywheel. I suspect in a 3,200 lb. car with 3.91 rear end ratio it would be fine.

- EM

There surely is someone here running this flywheel in a street small block. Any personal experiences would be helpful to hear.

- EM

I have one in my 340 (422 stroker) demon and it works fine, no problems and no noticeable difference between it and a stock fly wheel (although I'm sure its better quality).

Not sure what the part number is but I've been using an aluminum FW on the street for years. I just bought a new FW and it weighed in at just under 16 pounds.

There is no reason to have all that flywheel weight there. Just beats up on crap. I've used everything from a 3.23 to now a 4.56 gear and 2.44/2.66 and now a 3.09 first gear box and the FW was never an issue.

Thanks Scott, MS. This is good feedback. I have a 13-14 lb. aluminum flywheel now that I'm going to mess around with a bit and if it's a little "testy" as far as drive ability I wanted to have a fallback flywheel. This sounds like a good option.

- EM

Just to add a comment, the heaviest of the aftermarket (billet) flywheels I've found is 30 lbs. The heavier Mcleod billet flywheel is 27 lbs. and the lightweight 464122 we're talking about is 20-22 lbs. The OEM flywheel is cast iron and likely over 30 lbs. Surely someone here knows but I bought one 2 years ago that was an "OEM replacement" that was 35 lbs.

As to weight and rotating mass, it can work for you or against you depending on what you're trying to do. Less rotating mass obviously allows quicker RPMs but in a heavier car / taller gears that can be problematic. Pro Stock cars have traditionally added flywheel weight given they have no issue getting engine RPM and the added weight helps maintain engine RPM during launches and shifts.

- EM

I ran the MP lightweight flywheel in my 64 Dart, 273/4 speed.

As general comment from running a light flywheel (not MOPAR) it is very nice when running up through the gears... faster shifts with less syncro delay and wear.

Also can be tender at launch and holding a decent idle with warm engine. Good to give it a try and also have a backup plan.

Maybe in the 1970's but not in the last few decades. The entire flywheel, pressure plate and multiple discs can be under 15#. The fly wheel is just a place to mount the very small billet aluminum adjustable pressure plate and the starter ring gear. All the excess material is milled away. The entire assembly is as light as they can make it.

Heavy flywheels are for dump trucks.