Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Three Wheeler & Super 3 M3W Clutch Flywheel Alternative???

I think this may have been posted prior and I think I probably posted on the thread, but for the life of me I cannot find the thread.

As we all know, MMC used something "other" than the Miata flywheel and clutch assembly. And I can see the advantage of the hydraulic throw out bearing in lieu of the external clutch fork slave cylinder.

But why switch to another custom make of flywheel and clutch?

I checked once very early on when I got a hold of the an old Harley type compensator assembly from JV in Florida. The stub shaft that the flywheel bolts to and also has the pilot needle bearing located in it, does match a Miata flywheel bolt pattern. This was confirmed by my measurements of the old M3W stub shaft and a post in the Miata racing forum.

Aftermarket flywheel and clutch assemblies are very affordable and some are even lightweight racing setups.

Has anyone tried something OTHER than an original MMC setup? Inquisitive minds would like to know...

Thanks and have a great day!

Good question.

If someone is in Colorado I am sure the flyin Miata guys would be happy to help to open up a new revenue stream. It would be great if the Miata flywheel and clutch fit as there is a lot of options that are likely far better than what we have.

The flywheel MMC use is very light, from memory only about 7 lbs. I would suspect the MX5 flywheel would be easily 3 times heavier thus killing the acceleration as so much more mass would take longer to spin up.

Dab, here's a quick search for a complete setup for a Miata.



eBay Link To Above Kit

This one has a 11.5# flywheel and a 12" disc for clutch. It's cheap, but it just shows that there are some other options "IF" the Miata setup will fit. The M3W uses a Miata starter and std bell housing, AND the bolt pattern is the same.

There are many other options for both flywheel and clutches listed on eBay.

Always good to have more than 1 option , although since I called into C &G motorsports in Leeds and found they can supply new as well as refurbished clutch components for a very reasonable price it would not make any sense for us in the UK at least to deviate from the original set up.

The only caveat to this is that if the ring gear needs replacing the whole OE flywheel would need to be replaced as it is machined onto the flywheel itself.

Has anyone got weights of the clutch/flywheel components by chance?

https://www.flyinmiata.com/flywheel-steel-lightened-nc.html

Lighter miata flywheels

That is a possible concern.

I was service manager for a Chevy/Pontiac dealership back in the mid-70's thru the mid-80's and I believe we may have replaced one or two flex plates with ring gear in those years. Personally I've had over 65 vehicles, not including motorcycles, and I've never had to replace a flex plate of flywheel because the ring gear was destroyed. As long as the starter remains in good shape and not used when loose, I think the odds are in your favor to NOT need a replaceable ring gear.

With the Miata Stuff 8.4# SFI certified flywheel, that's not a bad price for what it is.

Thanks and have a great day!

I live in Colorado, where are the Flyin Miata guys based?