What is the difference between a $463 flywheel and a $361 ??

[super-bee_ski]

Hi guys
Ordering new Flywheel and Clutch KIT for my 69 SC/Rambler...
1. Centerforce is $463.97
2. American Powertrain Science Friction Flywheel is $361.99
(Jeg's & Summit Racing)

Why is Centerforce $100 dollars more?
A difference in quality?

 

[Glenwood]

Brewers told me recently that I had choices between an oem style cast or billet steel flywheel that had a similar cost variance for a future conversion I'm considering for the 64.

 

[Bb70charger500]

I've used center force before, never had a problem with it ,never had the cheaper one !

So maybe the wrong way to think about it but when it comes to something that is such a pain to replace I go with a more expensive unit ,maybe it's a waste but I hate replacing parts that prematurely fail ,not saying the other one is junk but I've never used one.

 

[super-bee_ski]

Both great points to consider...
Hmm, looks like a Centerforce
By the way: BOTH items are of Billet Steel...

Great point Bb70charger500 points out, I'd hate to "go back inside" and remove it due to manufacture defect...
Lets see what some more guys have to say...

 

[Photon440]

The American Powertrain website claims to offers SFI certification on that wheel, so I'd be okay with the less expensive one.

 

[aeon280]

Both great points to consider...
Hmm, looks like a Centerforce
By the way: BOTH items are of Billet Steel...

Great point Bb70charger500 points out, I'd hate to "go back inside" and remove it due to manufacture defect...
Lets see what some more guys have to say...

Being as both are SFI approved I would go with the cheaper one. American Powertrain may not have the name recognition of Centerforce but in recent years they have shown they are heavily involved in R&D and have engineered many well made components to allow older cars to adapt modern drivetrain components. In my experience they also have excellent customer service. I just recently had to talk to someone about a hydraulic clutch conversion set up and they had someone call me back within an hour of leaving a message and then spent at least 30 minutes on the phone addressing all my questions. The kit was also very well engineered and very well made.

 

[69a100]

I kinda miss my old 66 American 440 w/a 232 2 bbl. auto. That little car would scoot!

 

[Budnicks]

I've almost always used some Borg & Warner style
3 or more finger clutches
instead of a Diaphragm style

a lighter middle weight billet or forged steel flywheel

McCleod
https://www.mcleodracing.com/index.php/clutch-kits.html

or
Hays have always worked well for me, in years past
(450 or 650 albeit I've never used either of them they have now)
https://www.holley.com/brands/hays/products/drivetrain/clutches/street_450_clutches/

or Crower
https://www.crower.com/clutches.html?cat=129
But I highly doubt you would need or want that level of clutch
it won't fit in a reg. bell-housing either or the expense

what are you going to do with it Ski ?
is it a street/strip deal, just want the best bang for the buck ?

Never had an American Powertrain part 'at all'
can't speak to them

I did have a Centerforce Clutch in my
old 99 Dakota R/T hopped up 5.9ltr with a Novi centrifugal SC
ran 11's in street trim
that clutch, it didn't last very long, maybe 12k street miles & 20 passes tops

I never had a 390cid SC/Rambler
I don't know the availability of the parts for such a combo either

 

[PurpleBeeper]

For flywheels where both are SFI rated, just go with the cheaper one.

 

[gkent]

My issue with American Powertrain ... advertised price was like $199. - billet flywheel but no SFI sticker. Placed my order and asked if I'd have it by the following week and was told "no problem". When I got my bill the price was considerably higher than advertised. When I questioned it I was told it was because it had to be built to meet my delivery expectation !! WHAT ?!?!? I didn't "need" it, I was just asking if it would arrive then. So if you expect it to be an "off the shelf" item, you better ask the question.

 

[AR67GTX]

I've learned never to trust a flywheel to be good out of the box. I've bought one new that was warped and over on the Corvette Forums I'm reading a steady pattern of new flywheels and clutches that are brand new and defective. Which ever one you get check it all around with a straight edge for high spots and check across the center to make sure the contact area is not cone shaped and will only make partial contact with the disc (usually leading to heat burns and chatter. Bolt it up and spin it over with a dial indicator on the surface to make sure it doesn't have a bunch of run out. Also a good idea to check the pressure plate surface for high spots or cone shape - some of those are turning up bad right out of the box also - I also had that pleasure 2 years ago. This thread from over there highlights a lot of common issues with clutches and linkages in these old cars.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forum...-replacing-the-clutch-in-a-1962-c1-vette.html

 

[super-bee_ski]

Thanks for the info...
Yes, it is being sent to Valley Head Service along with the Clutch disc, ordering new also...where they will be Balanced/checked...
So: general consensus is:
1. If theAmerican Powertrain Science Friction Flywheel is SFI, then "go with it"
2. Centerforce is a well know firm, quality products...but $100 more

I am leaning towards the American Powertrain Flywheel....

 

[biomedtechguy]

I got my billet steel flywheel from Brewers.

 

[super-bee_ski]

I got my billet steel flywheel from Brewers.

Did you pay $463 OR $367?
Im shopping on-line at Jeg's and Summitt Racing, can't find them anywhere else...

I LOVE Brewers, as a matter of fact, I went there in 1983! 1970 SE/RT Challenger "U-code" Go-Mango
My application today is for my 1969 SC/Rambler 390
Not sure if Brewers is into AMCs

 

[super-bee_ski]

I just checked Brewers
They show MOPAR, $313.and $343

They sell Mcleod
I will check that website

I just sent McLeod a e-mail
So Cal Company

 

[super-bee_ski]

Update
I ordered a Replacement Ring Gear
Never knew one could change the Ring Gear
So far, $28
To be continued

 

[5.7 hemi]

Everyone skipped the obvious answer, $102.

 

[bm02tj]

and easy to install at home

 

[PurpleBeeper]

Thanks for the info...
Yes, it is being sent to Valley Head Service along with the Clutch disc, ordering new also...where they will be Balanced/checked...
So: general consensus is:
1. If theAmerican Powertrain Science Friction Flywheel is SFI, then "go with it"
2. Centerforce is a well know firm, quality products...but $100 more

I am leaning towards the American Powertrain Flywheel....

I agree bee-ski.....now, if it were the CLUTCH, I'd go with Centerforce….I don't think the flywheel is anything special.

 

[super-bee_ski]

I agree bee-ski.....now, if it were the CLUTCH, I'd go with Centerforce….I don't think the flywheel is anything special.

Thank you
YES, Budnicks was (is) on this same thought...
Ny Clutch Pressure Plate is good, Valley Head Service, Northridge CA is going to machine/re-surface both Flywheel and Friction disk and Balance...
As Budnicks and a few others stated, I am not going to be RACING...just Mild Street, shows, etc.

Thanks!