It's pretty obvious that the lightweight flywheel should be performance mod #1, based on the posts I've read so-far.

My question is, is there a preferred brand? I would obviously like to stick with the MazdaSpeed flywheel, but I have seen posts recommending other brands. And is the new clutch a good idea at the same time?

I've searched through several pages of posts without finding much discussion of flywheel comparisons, and nobody's answered this question when I posted it as an aside to someone else's question in the Lounge. Any useful opinions/experiences are appreciated.

 

You could get the MS flywheel installed by Mazda and have a warranty on it while your cars warranty remains. I, myself, have a Prolite flywheel (ACT) installed and it's by far the best mod I have.

A new clutch depends on how much money you wanna spend and if you're doing it yourself. Along with the Prolite, I have the street/strip clutch (ACT) with a ceramic friction (clutch) disc. It's great for moderate modifications but I'm sure you can still run the stock clutch with any little mods since nothing is really done. I can say that the clutch feels really great, and the acceleration is noticably quicker.

This combination (I bought the ACT combo from rx7store.net) is by far my favorite mod. Top end feels better (gets there a little faster) and the clutch is easier to disengage - you don't have to put up with much in traffic. However, I wanna change the friction disc and upgrade to a 6-puck spring-loaded rx7 disc since I'm burning some clutch when accelerating at my local auto-x. But that's besides the point.

To change the clutch at the same time depends on how much cash you're willing to spend and if you're doing it yourself. If it's a DIY project, I'd do both so you won't regret not doing it then because it wears you out when taking out the tranny without a lift! If you're having a shop do it, then it's up to you as far as money is concerned. I would also upgrade the clutch line to stainless.

My .02

 

fidanza flywheel also has great reviews. its lighter than the ACT, but the ACT has all the but weight on the edge, i havent seen a side by side comparison yet. the Fidaza also has a replaceable friction surface, which the ACT does not, so no resurfacing. +1 on the SS clutch line. i have one with the stock setup.

 

don't you mean "The Artist Formerly Known As Jethro Tull"?

 

If you had seen my original avatar, you'd have asked: Don't you mean "The Agronomist Formerly Known As Jethro Tull"? But I do love the band, and most of it's spin-offs (Blodwyn Pig, especially).

Sounds so-far like the lightweight flywheel should have just been offered as a stock item by Mazda. It's only been what, not quite 3 months since I bought my '07, plenty of warranty left so maybe the MS brand is the way to go.