Wes Dumalski posted on March 09, 2009 21:00
Knowing that the transmission had to come out to replace the clutch now was the perfect time to install the JWT flywheel as well. The JWT unit is “one sweet aluminum piece” that weighs in at 8 lbs. and features a replaceable hardened steel surface to ensure it can be used again and again! The decrease in weight has several benefits, faster acceleration and deceleration as well as less stress on the drive train. It also features a replaceable steel ring gear for both durability and to allow the crank angle sensor to function properly. We were quite surprised at the difference in feel given that we previously ran a lightened OEM flywheel.
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| Can you spot the new JWT aluminum flywheel? |
The last issue to address was our lack of traction. With all that power on tap and an open diff., project 200SX was a one tire fire making machine! Powering out of turns resulted in the inside wheel being set ablaze, shift hard in to third and BAM… wheelspin. It was time to put that power down more effectively. Given that there are not many options for limited slip differentials for the GA16 we looked to JGY customs for one of their Friction Type LSD’s. The LSD works by placing two steel plates into the diff and using stiff springs to press them outward on the spider gears. This causes friction and helps to distribute power evenly to both wheels. This should help us in autocrossing, road racing, drag racing, and with any luck preserving tires! JGY offers these LSD’s in both a street and drag version for both the GA16DE and SR20DE transmissions.
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| This is the JGY friction type LSD. The pins on the side get removed once it is installed to uncompress the springs. |
This is how the unit looks when installed. |
Surprisingly the GA tranny has held up to boost quite well but we thought a little insurance couldn’t hurt. We topped it off with Redline Lightweight Shockproof gear oil. The Redline product is perfect for our application in that it has a “40% lower coefficient of friction and 250% the load carrying capacity compared to conventional gear oils, which means that metal to metal-to-metal friction is greatly reduced.”
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The new setup is a night and day difference. The components coupled together make up a firm race oriented setup that inspires confidence. Engagement is firm and direct, revs are easier to match, and the clutch just grips and grips. Add the LSD to the mix and the car no longer feels like a peg legged one tire fire machine! The linear turbo response along with the new found traction makes for an awesome combo. I cannot wait to get the car out to an autocross or better yet a hot lapping event. Heck I may even strap on some meats and take it to the strip for all you ¼ mile time junkies. Stay tuned…
Thanks to our project sponsors:
212 Millar Ave
El Cajon California 92020
619-442-0680