I'm at the point now where I need to buy a clutch/flywheel and dampener and the engine can go in for the final (I hope) install.
I'm pondering what to get though, if I should go with a lightweight flywheel or not? and What brand/friction material should I get. It is an LS so there's a million and ten choices. My engine is an aluminum 5.3 with cnc heads, moderate cam, fast intake, etc. shooting for 450 CHP with the possibility of nitrous in the future, but not a huge amount.

I know we have a drive train section, but I feel that this is more GM related.

 

I love my Mcleod RST and billet flywheel (30 lb) setup. Super easy clutch pedal helps with launching. Feels stock but grabs all day long.

 

I'm not sure I want to spend 1k on a clutch though lol.

 

I Run the monster clutch stage one and lightweight flywheel it is organic compound disc and with flying Miata master cylinder it has a great paddle fell. I have over 20,000 miles on the assembly. It's around $700 for the kit

 

Monsterclutches.com stage 1 $729 stage 2 $779 and still a disc.

 

I just going to order a clutch,etc. i am putting together a stock 4.8 ls.

Any comments on light weight flywheels? i have a light weight flywheel in my miata with a stock 1.8 and like the feel. is the same with the v8?

 

I am in the same boat as well. Trying to decide between the Monster, Spec, or Clutchmasters. Reasons for considering Spec or Clutchmasters is because i can get a discount on them.

But even over cost, I am trying to find the lightest weight assembly I can.

 

I'v used a Centerforce dual friction set with excellent results. Holds a lot of power in a light weight chassis, with smooth operation and minimal pedal effort.

On the track or with nitrous, it may not be enough.

For the Exocet, I went with a Ram HD set. I a little more heavy duty. slight clutch chatter when cold, which quickly disappears. A little more pedal pressure than the Centerforce.

I like a light weight flywheel. They can be a little more difficult to drive slowly. But I like the fast rpm changes, both up and down.

 

Don't buy into "lighter is better" especially if it's a street car. I replaced a light set up with an oem LS7 flywheel/clutch combo. It weighed in 20 lbs heavier than what I had in the car and it was wonderful. Easier to launch at low rpm, much better traction and an overall lighter pedal feel. Best of all it was a$400 take off piece brand new and you can get service parts anywhere. It totally enhanced the driving experience of the car for the better. Now if it's a dedicated track car, that's a different story...

 

I have had several years of using a LS7 clutch flywheel assembly. The setup has worked equally well when my setup was a stock LS2 setup and later with valve train modifications and a Howard 525 cam installed. For the way my car gets driven the setup has been excellent.