I've heard this from a couple of friends, but if you upgrade the flywheel does it help that much?

 

of course. it helps you tranny and also some weight reduction. if you get a light-weight flywheel i bet you you'll get about 1/2 of a second or more and if you get the whole set-up like the stage 3 clutch, pressure plate, flywheel you'll get a 1 second or 2 off your time.

 

A 1/2 sec? That can't be right. I thought the aftermarket flywheel was mainly to reduce rotating mass?

 

It'll help you transfer power to the ground more effectively, and allow your engine to rev quicker. But be careful putting it on a poorly balanced engine, as it'll throw it off even more and probably cook the bearings within 30k (yes, those heavy-*** flywheels are part of the engine's balance).

 

but if you have aftermarket suspension you can lower the back to distribute the weight back there

 

I'm, talking about rotational balance, not front-rear distribution. And lowering the rear suspension still wouldn't do anything for that either... Civics are transversal, remember?

 

alright thx guys.

 

How in the world would I know if I have a poorly or a properly balanced engine?

 

Well, as a general rule, the only way it would be really off balance is if it was rebuilt VERY badly (which isn't likely) or if it is American. So basically, you should be fine.

 

What kind of undertaking is replacing the flywheel? Half a day? Weekend? Is it worth it if I don't replace the whole clutch? Is this going to be something to consider for the HCF Challenge?