I replaced the clutch, flywheel, etc. on my 1997 Trans Am last weekend. I knew that the previous owner installed the Fidanza Aluminum flywheel and I also knew that the frictional surface on this piece is servicable. Even so, I decided to get a new flywheel then decide what to do with this one later. It is now later.

The flywheel is this one:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FIZ-198581/

At 12.5 lbs, it is not a drag racing piece. However, I found it largely reasonable on the street even with it's light weight.

I haven't decided if I am going to sell it to recoup some of the cost of the new pieces or send it to Fidanza and have the surface serviced and then have it rebalanced to put on the shelf as spare. Also, I have not priced doing this work.

I am gauging interest to see what this piece might be worth to others. I have showed it to two people and their reaction was the same as mine - it probably doesn't need resurfaced, just installed. However, my thinking is that I wouldn't want to install it only to learn that I had to do the job again because it was indeed worn (it doesn't look worn at all) and I couldn't tell by looking at it.

If there is interest, I would be glad to go out to the garage and snap a few pictures of it.

I might be interested. I'm probably going to do one eventually anyway. However, I don't know what it costs to swap out the friction surface so I'm not sure what it's worth.

I suppose one of us needs to check with Fidanza. I checked their website but there is no info about this there (that I could find).

Kevin - I sent the following e-mail this morning:

From: Keith O
Subject: Question about Aluminum Flywheel
To: sales@fidanza.com
Date: Sunday, November 29, 2009, 7:37 AM


Hello,

I recently replaced the clutch and flywheel, etc. in my 1997 LT1-powered Pontiac Trans Am. Due to the fact that the particular arrangement is very sensitive to flywheel depth, I decided to purchase a new flywheel and install it even though I was unsure if this was necessary.

The flywheel that I removed is now a "spare" flywheel. It is Fidanza part number 198581. According to the Fidanza documentation, the friction surface on the flywheel is replaceable and I was curious about what is required to do this and the cost involved.

Thanks,

Let's see what the response is.

Interestingly enough, their website claims that they are located in Perry, OH which is just east of Cleveland. They are only about 2 hours from me.

Keep me posted!

I sent you an e-mail with the reply from Fidanza.

Does anyone know what a stock LT1 flywheel weighs? I'm curious as to the weight savings.

thanks

As I remember, it's about 35 lbs.

FWIW, here is the pricing info for the replacement friction plate. I received this info directly from Fidanza.
http://www.jscspeed.com/php/search.php?id=221101&type=pn

You remove the current one, screw this one to the flywheel and you're done.

I never weighed a stock one but considering that LS1 front rotors weigh about 21lbs, this is about right.

Sold

Can you share, for the edification of others?
Thanks.

I kept thinking one of us had posted that, but I guess not. I'll see if I can locate the email and post the info from Fidanza (unless Keith beats me to it).

Don't have the e-mail anymore but here is the info you are looking for:

For this flywheel, you just need to buy a replacement friction plate. Fidanza sent me this link:
http://www.jscspeed.com/index.php?p=search...t_number=221101

You remove the screws that attach the current friction plate to the flywheel, screw this replacement on in it's place and you're done.