Fuji-Racing

Fuji-Racing 1.6 Chro-Moly Steel Flywheel

[4/14/2008] Reviewed by: Ben Swenson - benswen@hotmail.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97 '99-'05 1.6 liter 1.8 liter

This is a 200mm light-weight chro-moly steel flywheel for use with all 1.6 and 1.8 liter Miatas. If installed in a 94-05 Miata, a compatible 1.6 liter clutch must be used. The vendor I purchased it from claims a weight of 8.3 lbs - I did not weigh it, but it's significantly lighter than the stock 1.8 liter flywheel.

This light-weight flywheel really wakes up the stock motor - pulls noticeably harder in 1st and 2nd gear, and feels a a tiny bit better in 3rd and 4th. It does not make the car harder to drive - it's a little more tricky off the line, but it just takes a extra throttle and a little bit of getting used to. There is a slight buzzing sound coming from the transmission between 2500-3500 rpms - it is quiet, and only audible with the top down. It is not obnoxious, but it's there. I also noticed a tiny bit of extra vibration at idle, but it disappears when you aply any amount of throttle. The engine revs more smoothly across the board. Rev-matching is much easier, and the car revs like a sport-bike in neutral. Engine braking is increased - if you're cruising at 60mph in 5th gear, the nose dives a little if you suddenly lift off the throttle.

I chose this flywheel over the Fidanza because I like the 1-piece, all steel construction. I installed it myself in my garage with hand tools, and replaced the stock clutch at the same time. I can tell it will be very effective on the autocross course this summer, where 1st and 2nd gears are the most used. This is the best "under the hood" addition I have made to my car - I would recommend it anyone that wants a faster, lighter, more fun-to-drive car, and doesn't mind a little bit of extra drivetrain noise.

Over 30 minutes to remove completely