Clutch and Flywheel recommendation - 1.8k

[arun1uk]

Hi all,

I'm looking for a new clutch for my 1.8k EU2 VVC. Whilst I'm doing that, I'm thinking about changing to a lightened flywheel at the same time.

Has anyone done this before, and which clutch/flywheel combinations would you recommend? I have the standard items currently installed.

It's mainly used for fast road and limited track days (max 5 per year).  I've been thinking about power upgrades, but it's limited with the VVC gubbins and EU2 ECU, so thought a flywheel would be good compromise.

Would appreciate anyone's thoughts or experience.

[Mechanical Moz]

I fitted a TTV Racing flywheel to an EU2 VVC a few years ago, very happy with it.  Difficult to draw a direct comparison because I changed the gear ratios at the same time but definitely made the engine feel more responsive.

http://ttvracing.com/product/caterham-k-series-lite/?referrer=product-listing&iframe=true&width=80%&height=100%&type=flywheels&engine=caterham-1-4-1-6-1-8-k-series&manufacturer=caterham

I reused the standard AP clutch plate as when I measured it there was only 20% wear.  I don't know how many miles it had done, there were 59k on the car at the time of which 11k were during my ownership.

The original Rover clutch cover bolts did not fit the new flywheel, see https://www.lotus7.club/forum/techtalk/clutch-pressure-plate-lightweight-flywheel-bolt-size for details.

[arun1uk]

Thanks for the response, appreciated. I had also considered gear ratios, as I top out at 112mph, which I thought was quite slow for track, however, it certainly helps with acceleration and flexibility on the road (I have a 6sp box).

What did you change to, out of interest?

[Mechanical Moz]

I had the gearbox rebuilt by SPC with their Tracsport semi helical Type 9 kit, 2.48 1st and I kept the 0.82 5th as its a road car with a few track days a year. 

If I was doing it now I'd opt for the fully helical Sport Touring set, as the semi helical one is very noisy in 2nd and 3rd (reminds me of a ride I once had in an old armoured personel carrier), but it wasn't available at the time.

 

[AdrianC]

Speak to Alex @Millwater, he is well clued up on these things and will do the work for you as well (if you want him to)

Adrian

[Graham King]

Arun, as you have a 6spd box I'm not sure the options for changing ratios are available, they are nearly all available for the 5spd box. If you want to change the relative ratios then a better option would be to look at the final drive ratio. If you have the 3.92 final drive then changing to the 3.62 (LSD as supplied by Caterham and as fitted to the original Superlights) then that would change things. I believe there are other (lower) final drive ratios available from other manufacturers. 

On my 99SL 1.8K, non-VVC (approx 210BHP) I had the Caterham lightened flywheel and uprated clutch assembly. The lightened flywheel does make a big difference to the driving feel. I'm not sure if they're still available from Caterham or if Redline are able to help, but I always enjoyed the combined feel on mine. I'm sure you are planning to anyway but whilst the gearbox is out also change the CRB, fork and spigot bearing. For the additional cost it's not worth trying to save money. 

Graham. 

[arun1uk]

Thanks chaps, sound advice.

Will let you know how I get on.  Have been thinking about doing a full engine upgrade and blueprint, but that will have to wait till winter.

[CharlieC]

You may also want to give Stuart Cresswell at Premier Power a call. He fitted a lighter flywheel and clutch for me last year and it made quite a difference to the responsiveness and driving experience. As the name suggests, Stuart specialises in power upgrades so can also advise on other options. Good luck

[CharlieC]

You may also want to give Stuart Cresswell at Premier Power a call. He fitted a lighter flywheel and clutch for me last year and it made quite a difference to the responsiveness and driving experience. As the name suggests, Stuart specialises in power upgrades so can also advise on other options. Good luck

[Wrightpayne]

Arun,

Did you get my PM?

Ian

[Wrightpayne]

I've replied!!

:-)

Ian

[PickledBear]

I'd second @CharlieC comment there.

I got my sigma 125 back from Stuart on Friday, went ultra lightweight flywheel and clutch as a first upgrade.  Been out for a couple of hours this weekend, and it does make a large difference to throttle response and urgency of the engine.  Wouldn't hesitate to recommend, both from a product and a customer service POV.

[arun1uk]

Brief update.

In the end I decided to go with an AP clutch and TTV lightened flywheel. Also replaced the clutch cable, CRB and associated bolts and fittings too.  I'll have my first drive in it tonight so will let you know how it goes. I didn't realise how tight/stiff my clutch was - I just got used to it, until I felt the new one installed. Revelation!

I'm at Anglesey on the 10th, so want to get some miles in to break the clutch in gently beforehand.

What a brilliant community this is, full of helpful and knowledgeable people. Kudos.