LWFW dilemma
01-17-2012, 08:45 AM
#31
Burning Brakes
Which LWFW - 997RS or 996RS?
I plan to have the coolant nipples in my ’04 welded, and I’d like to upgrade the flywheel at the same time. I’ve read through several older threads on LWFW options and apologize in advance if I missed the answers to the questions I pose below. My usage will be 70/30 street/DE.
From what I’ve read, there doesn’t seem to be much difference in drivability between the ultra-light 997.2RS LWFW and the slightly heavier 996RS LWFW, so is there any other basis for choosing one over the other? For example, is one unit better built or more robust than the other? Is there any less transmission chatter from the slighter heavier unit? I’ve read about 997.2's having problems with the 3.8 pressure plate, and I’m not sure if that has any bearing on which flywheel kit I should choose.
From what I’ve read, there doesn’t seem to be much difference in drivability between the ultra-light 997.2RS LWFW and the slightly heavier 996RS LWFW, so is there any other basis for choosing one over the other? For example, is one unit better built or more robust than the other? Is there any less transmission chatter from the slighter heavier unit? I’ve read about 997.2's having problems with the 3.8 pressure plate, and I’m not sure if that has any bearing on which flywheel kit I should choose.
01-17-2012, 12:12 PM
#32
After reading many of the LWFW posts on this website I looked into upgrading to a LWFW when I have my rapidly failing clutch replaced. I have an '04 GT3 with 21,000 miles and it is still under a Porsche certified warranty. I drive it about 50:50 on the road and track (AX, DE, TT). I checked with 2 local Porsche dealers and got the following responses:
#1: $3500 for GT3 clutch + $900 for RS LWFW and associated parts. No problem with my Porsche warranty and no expectations that it would be deleterious to the drivetrain.
#2: $4000 for GT3 clutch. They will not install a LWFW because of a Porsche Tech bulletin stating that LWFW should not be installed on 7.GT3s. He told me they are also interpreting that to be the same for 6.GT3 since it is the same clutch and RS 6.GT3s were not produced at the time therefore they were not included in the tech bulletin. They refuse to install the LWFW and would not cover the car under warranty if it was installed by anyone else and the drivetrain failed. They pointed out the possibility of a crankshaft failure with LWFW and said the car was not designed for this flywheel.
Obviously I should go with Dealer #1 if I really want a LWFW, but if something happens later to the drivetrain, or even the engine, are they going to come back and say it's not covered under warranty due to the Tech Bulletin despite what they verbally told me?
Is a LWFW really worth installing due to potential drivetrain failure and lack of warranty coverage? I hear they really make the car feel more lively but is it really going to be much of a performance upgrade for the track?
Also, is this the usual GT3 clutch replacement price? I recently had the clutch on my '03 911 cab daily driver replaced for half that cost!
#1: $3500 for GT3 clutch + $900 for RS LWFW and associated parts. No problem with my Porsche warranty and no expectations that it would be deleterious to the drivetrain.
#2: $4000 for GT3 clutch. They will not install a LWFW because of a Porsche Tech bulletin stating that LWFW should not be installed on 7.GT3s. He told me they are also interpreting that to be the same for 6.GT3 since it is the same clutch and RS 6.GT3s were not produced at the time therefore they were not included in the tech bulletin. They refuse to install the LWFW and would not cover the car under warranty if it was installed by anyone else and the drivetrain failed. They pointed out the possibility of a crankshaft failure with LWFW and said the car was not designed for this flywheel.
Obviously I should go with Dealer #1 if I really want a LWFW, but if something happens later to the drivetrain, or even the engine, are they going to come back and say it's not covered under warranty due to the Tech Bulletin despite what they verbally told me?
Is a LWFW really worth installing due to potential drivetrain failure and lack of warranty coverage? I hear they really make the car feel more lively but is it really going to be much of a performance upgrade for the track?
Also, is this the usual GT3 clutch replacement price? I recently had the clutch on my '03 911 cab daily driver replaced for half that cost!
Phone Alex at Sharwerks - and get a price quote on all the parts - so you can determine what the dealer is charging you for parts and labor.
As long as the LWFW is installed with the RS Pulley and bolt and torqued to spec with some red loctite you will not have a problem - as this is how the RS's are delivered.
While you are in there, your shop will see how your RMS is doing - they are cheap and it may be worth doing.
Personally, I would avoid the dealer and bring it to a shop that deals with GT3s.
01-17-2012, 12:50 PM
#33
Burning Brakes
Suncoast kit
Suncoast offers the kit linked below to convert a 996 GT3 to the 996 GT3RS setup. Not sure if this is a complete kit or if additional parts are needed.
http://www.suncoastparts.com/product...ode=996gt3perf
http://www.suncoastparts.com/product...ode=996gt3perf
01-17-2012, 01:47 PM
#34
Instructor
I made this mod on my 2004 996 GT3 more than 20K miles ago and love it. Here are the parts and prices a few years ago:
LWFW
1 964-102-239-31 Flywheel*****432.91*
1 964-114-143-31 Ring Gear*****140.78*
9 928-102-151-01 Socket Screw*****2.47 ea*********************
1 996-116-015-32 Clutch Disk*use 015-32 as newest # 339.66*
9 N-014-715-3 Socket Screw*****.32 ea*****************
1 931-102-111-00 Ball Bearing (pilot bushing?)*****19.73*
1 950-116-813-30 Clutch Guide tube*****76.73*
1 944-116-080-01 Release Bearing*****137.52*********
2 900-270-055-02 Casket head screw M6 x 14*****.36
total: $1173.16
LWFW
1 964-102-239-31 Flywheel*****432.91*
1 964-114-143-31 Ring Gear*****140.78*
9 928-102-151-01 Socket Screw*****2.47 ea*********************
1 996-116-015-32 Clutch Disk*use 015-32 as newest # 339.66*
9 N-014-715-3 Socket Screw*****.32 ea*****************
1 931-102-111-00 Ball Bearing (pilot bushing?)*****19.73*
1 950-116-813-30 Clutch Guide tube*****76.73*
1 944-116-080-01 Release Bearing*****137.52*********
2 900-270-055-02 Casket head screw M6 x 14*****.36
total: $1173.16
01-18-2012, 01:20 AM
#35
Rennlist Member
I plan to have the coolant nipples in my ’04 welded, and I’d like to upgrade the flywheel at the same time. I’ve read through several older threads on LWFW options and apologize in advance if I missed the answers to the questions I pose below. My usage will be 70/30 street/DE.
From what I’ve read, there doesn’t seem to be much difference in drivability between the ultra-light 997.2RS LWFW and the slightly heavier 996RS LWFW, so is there any other basis for choosing one over the other? For example, is one unit better built or more robust than the other? Is there any less transmission chatter from the slighter heavier unit? I’ve read about 997.2's having problems with the 3.8 pressure plate, and I’m not sure if that has any bearing on which flywheel kit I should choose.
From what I’ve read, there doesn’t seem to be much difference in drivability between the ultra-light 997.2RS LWFW and the slightly heavier 996RS LWFW, so is there any other basis for choosing one over the other? For example, is one unit better built or more robust than the other? Is there any less transmission chatter from the slighter heavier unit? I’ve read about 997.2's having problems with the 3.8 pressure plate, and I’m not sure if that has any bearing on which flywheel kit I should choose.
Where do you plan to get the work done? Especially the welded coolant fix, I haven't had much luck finding anyone in the Texas, Louisiana area that has done it before. I am planning on doing the same modifications as you as well. I will prob. get my LSD rebuilt also. Just need to find a good Porsche shop to carry it out.
Last edited by Rovman; 01-18-2012 at 01:21 AM. Reason: Grammar
01-18-2012, 02:03 AM
#36
I have LWFW on my 6gt3 mk1 but I didn't replace the crank pulley. I haven't heard that its required for 6gt3s until this thread, I always thought its only an issue for 997gt3s.
Can someone please confirm? thanks
Can someone please confirm? thanks
01-18-2012, 11:13 AM
#37
Burning Brakes
Felix,
Where do you plan to get the work done? Especially the welded coolant fix, I haven't had much luck finding anyone in the Texas, Louisiana area that has done it before. I am planning on doing the same modifications as you as well. I will prob. get my LSD rebuilt also. Just need to find a good Porsche shop to carry it out.
Where do you plan to get the work done? Especially the welded coolant fix, I haven't had much luck finding anyone in the Texas, Louisiana area that has done it before. I am planning on doing the same modifications as you as well. I will prob. get my LSD rebuilt also. Just need to find a good Porsche shop to carry it out.
01-18-2012, 11:23 AM
#38
Rennlist Member
01-20-2012, 07:59 PM
#40
Burning Brakes
I’m also having mine done while the engine is out for other work. For lack of any concrete argument in favor of one unit over the other, I’ve decided to go with the 996RS LWFW and pulley (as opposed to 997.2RS). A couple of pounds heavier than the 7.2 LWFW, but the same as what Porsche put in the 996 and still much lighter than stock.
01-20-2012, 09:58 PM
#41
Nordschleife Master
My car had the normal pulley, the one with the holes, for approx 30,000 km of hard (track) driving with no issues. Engine came out a few months ago, so I decided to do the pulley at the same time.
I've read about a few coming off, and was there when fellow-rennlister GT3north lost his at Mosport this summer, so for me it was a no-brainer. It's also really cheap, so if in doubt, do it, I say
