When it comes to improving the performance of your car, the flywheel is an important component that is often overlooked. The flywheel plays a crucial role in transferring power from the engine to the transmission, and upgrading it can lead to better acceleration, smoother shifts, and overall improved performance. However, simply upgrading the flywheel alone is not enough. You need to make sure you have the right bolts to secure it in place. In this buyer’s guide, we will explain everything you need to know about automotive performance flywheel bolts.
What Are Flywheel Bolts?
Flywheel bolts are used to secure the flywheel to the engine’s crankshaft. The flywheel connects to the engine’s crankshaft using a series of bolts that are designed to withstand the torque generated by the engine. These bolts are critical to the performance and safety of your vehicle, which is why it’s important to choose the right ones for your application.
Types of Flywheel Bolts
There are several types of flywheel bolts to choose from, but the most common ones are made from high-strength materials like chromoly steel or titanium. These materials offer excellent strength and durability, making them ideal for high-performance applications. Here are some of the most popular types of flywheel bolts you can choose from:
1. Stock Flywheel Bolts: If you’re not looking to heavily modify your car, stock flywheel bolts should suffice. They are designed to withstand the factory horsepower and torque ratings of your engine.
2. Aftermarket Flywheel Bolts: If you’re planning on upgrading your flywheel, it’s recommended to also upgrade the bolts. Aftermarket flywheel bolts are designed to handle higher engine output and can provide added reliability and safety.
3. ARP Flywheel Bolts: ARP is a well-known brand in the automotive industry that specializes in high-performance fasteners. Their flywheel bolts are made from premium materials and are designed to handle extreme horsepower and torque levels.
What to Consider When Choosing Flywheel Bolts
When choosing flywheel bolts, there are a few factors you should consider to ensure you get the right ones for your application. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
1. Material: As we already mentioned, the material of the bolts is crucial to their performance. Make sure you choose bolts that are made from high-strength materials to ensure they can handle the engine output.
2. Size: The size of the bolts should match the flywheel’s and crankshaft’s thread pattern. Using the wrong size bolts can cause them to fail, which can lead to catastrophic engine failure.
3. Torque Rating: Check the manufacturer’s torque rating for the bolts and make sure it matches your engine’s output. It’s essential to use bolts that can handle the level of torque generated by the engine to prevent them from coming loose.
4. Brand: Choosing a reputable brand like ARP can give you peace of mind knowing that you’re using high-quality bolts that have been tested and proven to perform.
Conclusion
Upgrading your flywheel bolts may seem like a small modification, but it can have a big impact on your car’s performance and safety. By choosing the right bolts, you can ensure that your flywheel stays securely in place and can handle the power generated by your engine. Keep in mind the factors we discussed when choosing flywheel bolts, and you’ll be on your way to a smoother, more powerful ride.