Although I have not pulled the trigger on a flywheel/clutch yet, I will do so in a month or so and have researched this as early as 2.5 years ago. So, allow me to ramble a bit.
There are few options for the LNF. Do NOT believe what you read when claims are made that a given flywheel will fit the GXP/Redline and other cars with Ecotec engines. This is simply NOT TRUE. The flywheel on the Kappa LNF is unique, and NOTHING else will work, nor will it work on any other Ecotec applications including HHR SS's and Cobalt SS LNF's.
DDM may be working on a clutch/flywheel for their own brand, but one would have to contact them about that. Fidanza has a lightweight machined aluminum piece that is about 10 pounds. If I could afford TWO of them, one would go on Streak and the other would be framed and mounted on the wall - it is that pretty. It has a replaceable friction plate, so if it is worn out or hot spotted, it can be replaced without having to buy a complete flywheel. Spec has a lightweight flywheel as well - also about 10 pounds.
While Fidanza does NOT offer a clutch, Spec does. THIS is where things can get confusing !!! The Fidanza will accept any stock style clutch. Spec offers TWO styles of flywheel and clutches, and they are NOT compatible with each other. Spec has a SAC style system, and a non-SAC type. SAC = Self Adjusting Clutch. The Kappas come with an SAC system, which is sort of standard issue when a hydraulic clutch system is used. Most non-SAC systems have some sort of physical adjustment inherent in the hardware, but Spec does NOT have ANY sort of adjuster. The advantage of an SAC system is that the clutch action is always near the middle of the pedal travel, but some think that SAC systems are "weaker" than non-SAC systems. (I have read of NO issues with our clutch actuation systems.) The advantage of a non-SAC system is that it may be more rugged, but the down side of the Spec system is that there is NO adjustment - you put the stuff in and the "pedal" is wherever it is.
Spec offers a whole series of clutches for SAC systems, and will work on any SAC style flywheel offered (at this time) for the LNF Kappas. The non-SAC clutches from Spec will work ONLY on their non-SAC flywheel. In speaking with Spec it seems that a Series 3 or 3+ is all that would be needed on most modded LNFs. For those that have produced monster engines (north of 400whp) they have stronger clutches up to leg crushers!!!! The 2's and 3's are easily streetable.
A light flywheel WILL make clutch engagement and shifting a bit more touchy. Why? Less rotational mass, but that is exactly the benefit. Any - ANY - clutch will start to chatter if they are not bedded in properly. Sort of like brake chatter if THEY are not properly bedded in properly, and for similar reasons. Even the stock LNF clutch can be made to chatter if one gets "lazy" when starting the car. Ditto stalling. It is just a bit more demanding with a 10 pound wheel and high friction clutch. Engine vibration WILL be felt a bit more in the car, but that is part of how 4 cylinder engines act. Even with "wobble sticks" in the engine, not all harmonics can be eliminated. Since the LNF engine is "internally" balanced, a change in flywheels should not cause a problem. I few well spent dollars will get a replacement wheel balanced to near zero, so that should certainly address any variance there.
What will I be buying? A Fidanza flywheel (check e-bay !!!) and a Spec 3 or 3+. The ONLY reason I will be doing a 3 is because doing a clutch on an LNF is serious hours, and I don't want to do it twice, although I think the 2 series may be plenty for any stock turbo application regardless of tuning or fuel.
So ---------------- there is my
worth. Let the
begin !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
