Intalling Flywheel....................maybe...

[Boomer420s]

Well, I have a quick question. I am just your average back-yard mechaninc. I was just wondering if a flywheel swap is something that a guy could do in a weekend, or should I let the pro's deal with it. I am all by myself, no prior knowledge on how exactly to do it, but is it worth the money of having someone do it or should I just man-up and tackle it. The latter worries me for the fact I do not want to damage the car by being careless or due to a lack of knowledge. I don't need to hear that it's a piece of cake and just do it. I need to know if it is something that someone with little knowledge, (but common sense, I have that!!!!!! Just kidding.) can handle. I think I could do it, but I have been wrong before on these things. I mean pulling the tranny and all that good stuff....... Am I making a mountain out of a mole hill. I need some insight guys, thanks!

*Wasn't exactly a quick question, sorry.

 

[Quasimondo]

The most difficult part about this flywheel swap will be removing the transmission. Grab a Haynes', grab a Chilton's, check the VFAQ and read up on it. If you can get a hold of the factory service manual, even better.

It's one of those things that looks daunting at first, but once you realize what you're doing, it will seem like cake. You just have to be very organized about where every nut and bolt goes, and when you get everything back together, you should triple check everything.

You will need a full socket set of both regular and deep well sockets, wrenches, a torque wrench, large flathead screwdrivers, a transmission jack, and grab a friend if you can to help you out.

 

[luv2rallye]

It's a very big, time consuming job (especially if you're leaving the engine in) so if you are uncomfortable with pulling a tranny don't take it lightly. If you are going to do it, you will also need jack stands, a clutch alignment tool, a helper (to help with the actual tranny removal/install), a manual to follow the proper steps, and a labeling system for the parts removed. I stick every bolt literally in a piece of cardboard with a label where it goes. You can use a floor jack (with a helper) if you don't want to get a tranny jack. And it will definately take all weekend (probably longer for an inexperienced person - so plan on it).

 

[Boomer420s]

Would it be easier to just pull the engine, and work it from there perhaps? My brother gave me the idea of pulling the engine and trying to replace the flywheel there. I have to get this car to start! I have a number of other little adjustments and tweaks to do, and this starting problem is killing me. Anyways thanks for the insight guys, I will go through the steps again and decide whether or not to do it myself or just have a shop deal with this for me. I would rather do it myself, but by myself might be overwhleming. I hate letting other people work on my cars.........thanks guys!

 

[1SicDsm]

I actually just got a Fidanza light flywheel put in yesterday, I had a buddy that works for Mitsu do it but yeah i was the same way i was undecided as whether to do it or not it also depends on how much someone will charge you to do it. Yeah like they said before the trickest part is removal and install of the tranny.

 

[King Salami]

Boomer -
Follow Quasimondo's advice and do it yourself w/ a buddy (I did mine by myself in 2 days without a transmission jack adapter, but YMMV).
You DO NOT need to pull the engine - that's way too much work. Just make sure you have:
a decent a shop manual
the vfaq printed out & on hand
a decent set of sockets
a 1/2" drive ratchet or breaker bar
a homemade flywheel bolt removal tool (I made one by drilling 2 holes in a 20" piece of square steel I bought at Lowe's)

When you get the flywheel off, have a reputable shop resurface it for you to a .608 - .612 step height. If you've got lots of miles on the engine, you may want to replace the rear main seal while you're in there.

 

[FORMONTOYA]

I'll go ahead and throw my 0.02 worth in here also...........

I agree:

Don't pull the engine.

Do get a manual (I prefer the shop manual, NOT Chilton's or Haynes) or look at the VFAQ:
http://www.vfaq.com/mods/clutch-1G.html Read and look over it, then decide.

Do replace the rear crank seal (it's only a few dollars, and it just "picks out, very simple job).

You WILL NEED a helper to stab the tranny, especially if doing it in the garage on jack stands (or it will turn into a PITA fast). Otherwise, the job can be done by yourself.

Do bag-n-tag all fastener. Mark hose ends and electrical connectors as to their location. Take pictures along the way....they will become invaluable.

As stated, if you're organized and have a decent mechanical aptitude it shouldn't be a big deal.

If you're unsure of your abilities and need the car "up and running" ASAP.........then it might be better to learn at a later date.

Your call.

 

[Boomer420s]

Well, I appreciate all the advice. I have decided to rather have someone change this flywheel. There will always be time to go and find these things out. I have had the car for over a year, and been battling these little problems the whole way and am quite fed up with it. I can't even start the car to enjoy it, you know? I have plenty of things to keep me busy with this car, I just want to start the damn thing! So here in a couple weeks, I should have the flywheel installed, and the car and running order, and hopefully be able to take full advantage of this site! But once again thanks to all the guys who gave me their two cents, really grateful for it! Thanks again...