Which modification would yield the best results in a Mazda 3s with a CAI and custom catback exhaust? A lightweight flywheel or an underdrive power pulley kit? And is it a must to replace the stock clutch if upgrading the flywheel?

If I were to replace the clutch I would use Mazdaspeed's sport clutch upgrade which provides a 30% increase in clamp load:
( Mazdaspeed Sport Clutch )


For the flywheel I have been looking at SRMotorsports' 9.25 pound aluminum flywheel:
( SRMotorsports Flywheel )


SRMotorsports' underdrive power pulley kit with 15% reduced diameter and 400% lighter than stock (2.1 lb. vs. 8.2 lb. stock):
( SRMotorsports Power Pulleys )

 

The flywheel would yield more hp.

 

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Is that a split personality of your's there Tracker? Nice maturity there buddy.

We appreciate not having people on this forum that act like your "friend".

 

yeah ill fix that

 

i must have missed something...

but any know-how on this subject would be appreciated a lot!

 

Tracker's friend decided that rather than provide contructive input to the subject, he'd go on a rant about how Mazda's suck & why bother.

Thanks for editing the post Tracker.

I'd try to contact each company and ask them what kind of power increase you would yield (typically they'll give you a % power increase number...not perfectly accurate, but better than nothing.)

A lighter weight flywheel will allow the engine to rev up quicker. The power pulley would reduce parasitic drag from your accessories as they would be rotating at a slower speed (keep in mind that this can reduce the output of those accessories, your power steering pump, AC compressor and alternator would all be driven by the serpentine belt.)

I would think the flywheel would give you better performance increases. (But that's a bitch of an install.)

I'd wait until you need to replace your clutch, then put in the new flywheel and clutch at the same time.

A rule of thumb for weight savings on rotating parts: 1 lb rotating mass is equal to 7-10lb of vehicle weight. I would think with a light car like the Mazda3, that it would be more towards the 10lb range. (say you get wheels that are 1 lb lighter/wheel, you reduced the weight of your wheels by a total of 4 lbs, which would yield a performance increase equivalent to shaving ~40 lb off of the car.)

 

thats some great information sslaure! thank you for your help!

 

No problem...