Hi all,

I have fitted a manual transmission on an early M117.960 euro 5.0L and I used a 3.5 M116 flywheel. The engine is stock other than a Megasquirt fuel and spark (EDIS) setup. I just sourced a pair of AMG spec camshafts and I thought I would lighten the flywheel to help the engine rev better. Unfortunately the design of that flywheel (24lb) makes it difficult to take any substantial weight off without weakening it. Ideally I should have an aluminum flywheel made but I would prefer to keep that for a later stage.

The dampener in the front is a big heavy steel wheel, and mine doesn't have that rubber band inserted I've seen on others, so I wonder how it dampens anything. As I believe all elements are balaced separately on these engines I thought I could delete that "dampener" as an ersatz of flywheel lightening. I would just have to work out a spacer so that the pulley still aligns correctly with the belts.

Any experience on this? Is it a good idea?

Thanks in advance!