Phil :
IMO, an aluminum flywheel is a 'race only' part, not suitable for the
street. The only advantage is that it _might_ shave a few hundredths of
a second off your 1/4-mile time, while the disadvantages are numerous
(rough idle, more difficult to engage clutch smoothly, more likely to
break, etc.)
I'd try changing the starter and solenoid first (sounds to me like the
solenoid is sticky or slow), and then put on a new, stock ring gear when
you have the trans out.
BTW, if you are talking about the flywheel from Jim Donato, the $318
does not include a ring gear ...
Randall
pbrzozoski@netscape.net wrote:
>
> Hi,
> What's the general opinion about using an aluminum flywheel on a stock TR6
> engine?
> I ask because I have an intermittent grinding noise when I start the car and
> the fix may require a new ring gear. (It sounds like the starter is not fully
> engaging or there are worn teeth on the ring gear). The grinding noise
> doesn't happen all the time, and when it does, it usually stops by the second
> or third turn of the key and then the car starts fine.
>
> Since I am going to be installing an OD tranny and all the magic cluch parts
> this winter, I thought I would also fix the start issue.
> Therefore the question. If I need to replace my ring gear, should I go for
> the extra money and get the aluminum flywheel with ring gear? (It's on sale
> for $318 until Jan 2001). The engine has 135,000 miles on it and is running
> fine. A ring job and valve work was done about two years ago because of some
> oil consumption and smoking, but everything has been OK since then (about
> 6000 miles).
>
> Thanks,
> Phil
> 74 TR6s
> Pepperell, Mass.
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