I'm about to order parts for a clutch replacement. I was thinking about upgrading to either the ap1 flywheel or the SOS 11.5lbs. Is it really going to make much of a difference or should I save my money and just resurface the one I have?

 

Based on the threads I've read on the topic, the ap1 flywheel is a good Goldilocks zone between smooth drivability of a heavy FW (ap2 22 lb) and performance of an ultra-light FW (9 lb). It seems like the ap1 and SOS are similar in weight (within 1/2 lb) so you probably won't notice much difference besides the weight of your wallet.

Some other FW considerations
-ap2 FW is too heavy for the stock pressure plate to grab at high rpm. Not confirmed, but I suspect the PP and ap1 FW may be OK together. An afermarket PP should be considered, (ACT, SOS, etc) whichever FW you choose.
-with a light FW consider getting a tune to get your vtech engagement rpm point lower. RPM's will drop more when shifting possibly pulling you out of vtech range.

 

Go with an AP1 flywheel. It's much lighter than the AP2, and you can get them for a song used.

 

Actually the SOS is a decent bit lighter than the ap1. The ap1 is supposedly 14.1lbs while the SOS comes in an 11.5lbs as well as a 9.5lbs. I am definitely leaning towards the ap1 though.

 

So you are suggesting I buy used ap1 and resurface?

 

We installed an ap1 flywheel on a buddies ap2 and wow! the world of a difference! I suggest going with a used ap1 flywheel and resurface it.

 

ap1 flywheel FTW!

stock reliability
oem fitment
lighter!

if you haven't done so go with the clutch slave mod, too!!

depending on where you are in the country, resurfacing in the bay area costs $100+/hr so it doesn't make sense to resurface for us

 

Yeah ap2 guys it's a no brainier imo. Ap1 flywheel and resurface for like 40 bucks. Huge difference from stock ap2.

 

The heavy ap2 flywheel smoothes out the idle and generally makes the car feel more sophisticated. For example, my ap1 is a lot rougher at idle when I turn on the AC. Plus, Engines usually are a little rougher as they go up in displacement, the heavier flywheel masks any differences. So there are some trade-offs by going lighter.

On the plus side you get quicker throttle response and less rev hang, and you knock 10lbs off the car.

 

Have a read of this article, it has some throttle response data related to the AP1 flywheel:
http://www.motoiq.com/MagazineArticl...rivetrain.aspx