New! Kirkham 427 FE Billet Flywheel Twin Clutch - Page 3

David Kirkham · #41 (**permalink**) 06-07-2009, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by olddog

Dave,

I agree that the starter will not put enough torque to hurt the design. However I think the ring gear is heat shrank on, in most designs. I think the interferance fit is all that keeps it from slipping. The thin ring of aluminum may loosen in all areas other than the spokes. When considering aluminum creeps over time, it may not loosen for a few years.

If in deed you are using a shrink fit, I would suggest drilling a few holes centered at the interface between the ring gear and flywheel and then pressing in pins.

If you already addressed this issue in another way, I appologize for the interruption.

My hat is off to you on the inovative approach!

Thank you for your kind words (and Jeff, and Art). You are most welcome to ask questions and point out any mistakes we may have made! That is why pencils have erasers. We all learn here on the boards. We certainly don't have all the answers and there are a lot of bright guys here. Any time I may say something dumb, I am most happy to have someone point it out! The only dumb question is the question not asked.

If you look closely at the outer edge of the aluminum on the flywheel you can see 3 holes spaced at 120 degrees apart. If you look on the back of the flywheel, there are also 3 machined recesses next to the holes. They are for the retaining tabs (not on yet). We will weld the tabs onto the ring gear and then bolt the tabs to the flywheel. There are many companies who do that. I have also seen the pin method you describe on some flywheels.

Also, the ring gear is 0.040" smaller than the flywheel. You do have to heat it up to put it on--like all flywheels I have ever seen.

David

David Kirkham · #42 (**permalink**) 06-07-2009, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael C Henry

That really looks impressive, but have you actually tested it in a car? It really goes against the original concept of a flywheel. I'd think the lack of inertia may be intolerable for some cam and intake setups. It may be just fine for instant on power, but what about when the engine is just trying to idle? It has been my observation with everything, if it has an advantage it also has a disadvantage. You always give up something to get something else. The question you should always ask yourself can I live with the down side?

Thanks for the kind words. No, it has not been tested yet, we only made it yesterday!

We will test it shortly, however. It does go against SOME concepts of a flywheel--but not all. I think I remember reading somewhere a clutch from an F1 is only about 4 inches in diameter. Granted, comparing an F1 motor to a FE is a slight stretch...

but hopefully you see what I am trying to say.

Idle is an interesting subject. Certainly there are always compromises with everything you do in life and this is no exception. Yet, most of our customers want a motor that idles like Mt. Pinatubo so shaking isn't usually a problem. As for "Can we I live with the down side?", I can't wait to find out!

David

David Kirkham · #43 (**permalink**) 06-07-2009, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D+10

WOW as usual. Are you going to build one for the Toploader??

Art

Building one for a Top loader is not a problem...finding a hub for the clutch that fits the Top Loader input shaft, however, might be.

David

FUNFER2 · #44 (**permalink**) 06-07-2009, 08:32 PM

David- you have email. (your PM box is full)

David Kirkham · #45 (**permalink**) 06-07-2009, 08:53 PM

Drop me a line at

kirkhammotorsports at gmail dot com

David

undy · #46 (**permalink**) 06-08-2009, 04:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FUNFER2

David- you have email. (your PM box is full)

Yes, it will fit between that new TKO-600 and that Pond 482 and .... if ya gotta ask, ya can't afford it..

blykins · #47 (**permalink**) 06-08-2009, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Kirkham

I don't remember right now. I'll have to ask McLeod or look it up. It is a standard unit they use. I can't wait to give it test drive.

David

There are two twin disc McLeods available. One is the RST, the other is the RXT. The former is rated for 800hp, with two organic discs, the latter is rated for 1000 with two dual friction discs.

They will bolt up to any FE flywheel, with any pressure plate pattern. I can get them for a TKO, Toploader, Jerico, small block, big block, whatever you want to run.

If David is interested in doing a package deal, I can provide the clutch components if he wants to do the flywheel.

blykins · #48 (**permalink**) 06-08-2009, 04:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Kirkham

Building one for a Top loader is not a problem...finding a hub for the clutch that fits the Top Loader input shaft, however, might be.

David

David, the twin disc setups are available for both 1-1/8x26 and 1-1/16x10. They are not available for big input (1-3/8x10) Toploaders.

RedBarchetta · #49 (**permalink**) 06-08-2009, 08:42 AM

Now invent a blow-proof lexan (clear) bellhousing and the world will beat a path to your door.

-Dean

greg schroeder · #50 (**permalink**) 06-08-2009, 10:25 AM

No doubt the loss of 40 lbs is worth the price of the flywheel, but do you have any performance data logged? It looks like the weight savings, not including rotational mass has a value of 8 wheel HP or so.

FUNFER2 · #51 (**permalink**) 06-09-2009, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Kirkham

Drop me a line at

kirkhammotorsports at gmail dot com

David

I just sent you an email.

Thanks David.

Dimis · #52 (**permalink**) 08-01-2011, 07:01 PM

Just digging...

How did the testing go?

Does anyone have any further information?

Many thx

lovehamr · #53 (**permalink**) 08-01-2011, 08:02 PM

Good question. I've been wondering as well.

Cobra #3170 · #54 (**permalink**) 08-01-2011, 08:54 PM

My McLoed Magnum Force twin disk FE clutch and flywheel weighed about 23 pounds and failed 3 of the 6 spokes at the outer radius. I hope you guys have done an FEA of the structure in your design and do some extended durability testing too. I have to say the McLoed unit went through three engine rebuilds before failing but it did fail to the point that I could not release the clutch because of flywheel flex at the Infineon SAAC event.

cobra · #55 (**permalink**) 08-02-2011, 03:35 AM

David

Also if we have enough Cheese here in Switzerland, I'm interested in one unit if you made it also for the Richmond 5-speed.

mdross1 · #56 (**permalink**) 08-02-2011, 06:12 AM

Wouldn't it be nice to experience a double blind test on the same motor using a steel wheel,solid aluminum,then the cheese wheel.My 460 car gave me an eye opening when going from steel to aluminum wheel.

Wizbamsc · #57 (**permalink**) 08-05-2011, 04:45 PM

Hey, That looks like the setup McCloud built for me years ago, BUT mine has the 3/8 big input toploader spline.

blykins · #58 (**permalink**) 08-05-2011, 07:17 PM

Yes, McLeod offers the "Street Twin" clutch kit in a 1-3/8" size for Toploaders.

JLip · #59 (**permalink**) 08-05-2011, 07:19 PM

Now that's SWEEEEEET!!!!

Bill Wallace · #60 (**permalink**) 08-06-2011, 10:13 AM

David, what results did you experience in testing? I notice that this thread started some time ago and I don't think I ever saw the results of the testing that you were going to do.