135i N54 Singlemass flywheel conversion

Shadowline248

New member
So my clutch is due for a change (slipping) and decided to get quotes only to find the price of a dual mass alone was +-17k . Spoke to Brandon from Ztorm Racing and he said he could build up a single mass lightened flywheel.
e42155ba7c4d9003a25239a87edeaabe.jpg

This is the result
e942e7c86760c4555f9ece3446f8bbfd.jpg

Refurbed clutch plate with sintered friction material aswell

Will keep you posted once its done

Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk
 

Phoenix

New member
If you wouldn't mind dropping me a pm with what this cost, I'd appreciate it! I'm busy looking at importing a single mass and clutch kit from the states and would much prefer to get a local one made up!
 

ChefDJ

///Member
In my experience a change from dual mass to single mass results in increased vibrations from the drive system on pull away, vibrations that were eliminated in the first place by using a dual mass flywheel.

While this was not done on a 135i in my case or on a BMW for that matter, I can't say the result will be the same but just though I'd voice my 2c and I hope you won't be dissatisfied.

I'd be interested to know how successful this is.
 

Woodies

Well-known member
Good thread to follow. I'm also going to need to replace my clutch and dual-mass flywheel soon and was quoted R15k from agents and about R8k for non OEM dual mass flywheel.
I've heard mixed reviews about single vs Dual mass. I'm not chasing huge power or tracking the car every weekend, but from what I can understand the single will cause more vibrations than the dual. Single mass allows the engine to rev up easier ?
Anyone got the true advantage and disadvantages of each.
I would love to rather support local companies if the products are as good as the other imported options.
 

Keithan@RKmotion

BMWFanatics Advertiser
Official Advertiser
Single mass will make you lose torque...you will feel it when hitting an incline...

However the speed and rev up time is superb on a flat or downhill... :cartel:

Flywheel clatter is normal - less cushion than the dual mass.

I would however fit this on a Manual...Will be not sure how it will effect the auto box on the long run
 

Phoenix

New member
Dual mass:
Usually non-serviceable (can't re-surface)
Heavier so revs hold better between changes to make for smoother driving
Dampens vibrations
Dampens "flywheel chatter" and other noises

Single Mass:
Can be serviced (resurfaced)
Lighter so gains and loses revs much quicker
Does not absorb vibrations (they transfer into the car, even more so if you're using stiffer gearbox mounts)
Tends to be noisy due to chatter

Long and the short of it is, if you are performance driven and aren't concerned about noises, vibrations and the general luxury feel, then single is the way to go.

If you want to keep your German luxury sedan feeling as such, you want the dual mass.

In my case, I intend on chasing serious power, and as such, intend on going for an upgraded clutch, which in most cases, requires a single mass flywheel.

There are rumors of premature bearing wear etc due to vibration. Don't know how "real" it is, at the end of the day, you're changing what BMW designed, so there are risks involved, but in most cases, dedicated race cars aren't expected to last 100 000km's anyway.
 

Shadowline248

New member
Agree with what everyone is saying, you do run the risk of getting vibrations but assumig the setup is balanced, it should feel like any single mass setup and I've driven many with no complaints. The flywheel is lightened too, should be around 9k. Yes you might lose a little drive ability on the low end but on a big 6 should not be too hectic.

Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk


Currently getting it fitted so when i get the car back will def give some feedback [THUMBS UP SIGN]

Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk
 

Shadowline248

New member
So i decided to go for a setup like this
091ca34101ed881889fdf24d6226fe1f.jpg


Alot more aggressive and i dont mind, some might find that there is too much shudder with this type of clutch plate. Having said this, the car drives perfectly fine and i think if it wasnt for the copper clutch plate there would be very little to no shudder. I may change it but for now im just going to bed it in 100% and see how it goes from there. Quite happy with the driveability and knowing that i have a much more serviceable single mass now too.

Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk
 

Captain_Stealth

Well-known member
The single mass is balanced along with pressure plate to be used. A dual mass is to make the transition between shifts softer on the drivetrain. Vibration is caused by misalignment or improper balancing. If you use a standard clutch plate on a balanced single mass, where will the vibration come from? Torque loss? The flywheels are within 2kg weight tolerence from each other. (Dual mass are hollow.) Flywheels are about moments of inertia. It depends on the concentration of weight as close to the centre as possible. Benefits are servicability and better moment of inertia.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Phoenix

New member
Captain_Stealth said:
The single mass is balanced along with pressure plate to be used. A dual mass is to make the transition between shifts softer on the drivetrain. Vibration is caused by misalignment or improper balancing. If you use a standard clutch plate on a balanced single mass, where will the vibration come from? Torque loss? The flywheels are within 2kg weight tolerence from each other. (Dual mass are hollow.) Flywheels are about moments of inertia. It depends on the concentration of weight as close to the centre as possible. Benefits are servicability and better moment of inertia.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Not quite accurate, factory DMF is 12kg, most lightweight aluminium flywheels are in the 6.0-6.5kg range... thats 50% of the original weight, which is a considerable difference.

Here's a nice write up of what a DMF consists of and the different noises and vibrations:
https://www.phoenixfriction.com/t-what-dual-mass-flywheel-noises-mean.aspx

It also explains the vibrations and "rattles" that actually have nothing to do with the flywheel/clutch assembly's balancing, but actually that of the engine and the gears in the gearbox.
 

Captain_Stealth

Well-known member
Phoenix said:
Captain_Stealth said:
The single mass is balanced along with pressure plate to be used. A dual mass is to make the transition between shifts softer on the drivetrain. Vibration is caused by misalignment or improper balancing. If you use a standard clutch plate on a balanced single mass, where will the vibration come from? Torque loss? The flywheels are within 2kg weight tolerence from each other. (Dual mass are hollow.) Flywheels are about moments of inertia. It depends on the concentration of weight as close to the centre as possible. Benefits are servicability and better moment of inertia.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Not quite accurate, factory DMF is 12kg, most lightweight aluminium flywheels are in the 6.0-6.5kg range... thats 50% of the original weight, which is a considerable difference.

Here's a nice write up of what a DMF consists of and the different noises and vibrations:
https://www.phoenixfriction.com/t-what-dual-mass-flywheel-noises-mean.aspx

It also explains the vibrations and "rattles" that actually have nothing to do with the flywheel/clutch assembly's balancing, but actually that of the engine and the gears in the gearbox.

The flywheel is made of steel by a reputable v8 conversion specialist which has been used in multiple successful conversions, without issues
 
Top