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View Full Version : New Flywheel, LSD, and Engine Damper


HotRodPilot
January 30th, 2007, 04:39 PM
http://www.tarheelminis.org/gallery/data/500/medium/100_0519.JPG

The Quaife ATB Limited Slip Differential in the box... this thing weighed a lot for its size. It got rid of all that unwanted inside wheelspin accellerating out of corners perfectly.



http://www.tarheelminis.org/gallery/data/500/medium/100_0520.JPG

The Spec lightweight flywheel just installed on the engine looking all nice and shiny. Weighed less than the stock unit by about 27lbs, which was a huge difference. Stock is 42lbs and I think the Spec is about 15lbs. It makes a squeal if care isn't taken when letting out the clutch to get moving and chatters at idle. The improvement in MPG (about 3), engine responsiveness/ power, and the sound above 4k RPM is well worth it, though.

http://www.tarheelminis.org/gallery/data/500/medium/100_0511.JPG

Dan from Grassroots Garage worked all day to get it done, and he did an absolutely outstanding job. Even better than factory work as he found some clamps that weren't reattached properly when the dealership did some work on the car previously.

http://www.tarheelminis.org/gallery/data/500/medium/100_0500.JPG
oznogonzo
January 30th, 2007, 08:34 PM
Very nice! :D What kind of squeal are you talking about? The tires or the flywheel? Do you have to let out the clutch slower on takeoff to avoid this? I'm not a wide open throttle type of person on takeoff. Definately something I want to check into after adding some other go-fast parts though. :cool:
MidnightDave
January 30th, 2007, 08:41 PM
Congrats! That LSD is supposed to be unreal compared to open or factory...
HotRodPilot
January 30th, 2007, 09:53 PM
Very nice! :D What kind of squeal are you talking about? The tires or the flywheel? Do you have to let out the clutch slower on takeoff to avoid this? I'm not a wide open throttle type of person on takeoff. Definately something I want to check into after adding some other go-fast parts though. :cool:

The squeal is the slipping of the clutch plate against the flywheel as the clutch pedal is being let out. It's not audible if the engagement occurs at a low RPM with minimal throttle during engagement. Otherwise once the car is in gear there are no sounds created by the new flywheel except for the roar at high RPM, that I love.
Nascar Mini
January 31st, 2007, 07:05 AM
Great job on these mods! Seriously considering the flywheel if it doesn't hurt drivability,as the wife sometimes uses the Mini. Engagement smooth or abrupt ?, some cars i've driven with light wheels seem like its either all or nothing on take off.
Bill
HotRodPilot
January 31st, 2007, 07:56 AM
I don't have much experiences with different clutch engagements (the MINI & a Ford Ranger and that's it). The Cooper S is more finnicky than the Ranger, and the same can be said for the lightweight flywheel vs stock. It took me a while to get used to the stock clutch engagement, but even less time to get acclimated to the spec flywheel.

I have read that having an aftermarket clutch aggrivates the situation and makes it worse, which is why I kept the stock clutch / pressure plate.

You're very welcome to try it out at the next club meeting or if you feel like visiting Fayetteville:cool:
Nascar Mini
January 31st, 2007, 12:15 PM
Thanks,i understand Dan's planning a inspection/tune party at his shop sometime prior to the Dragon,i plan on being up there,plus i need to get him to install my 2% crank pulley i bought off e-bay. Might see you there.
Bill
CooperSKart
February 1st, 2007, 05:56 PM
Nice! I have a lightweight flywheel on our Mazda Protege & really like it (doesn't help so much w/ dragway type acceleration, but it's really nice powering out of corners (still not as quick as our MINI though!)). I've been curious about the lightweight flywheels for the Mini - maybe one of these days I'll get one for our MINI.