engine and drivetrain Matching clutch for my weird flywheel?

[Theodric]

I have an annoying quandary. I've purchased a fresh 2L/121 TI head engine for my 2002, and afterward discovered that it has one of the rare-and-annoying 6-bolt flywheels. I contacted Walloth & Nesch about a compatible clutch kit, but they've advised me that none of their clutches will fit due to the hole pattern being different. Does anyone know of a (preferably European) supplier of compatible clutches, or alternatively of a source of a replacement flywheel that would permit the use of more easily-located parts?

The flywheel looks like this:

I suppose the other option would be to source a replacement 8-bolt crank, preferably as a kit with the required bearing shells, but I have no idea where to get such a thing. Any assistance appreciated!

[Tommy]

You can have your flywheel machined for later style clutch. It's not a bad job, just 3 threaded bolt holes and 3 for alignment studs (if needed?).

Looks that resurfacing is needed anyway so it's not a big deal to do at same time. I believe it can be done without removing ring gear but I'm not sure about that.

Tommy

[Theodric]

Yarr, I was afraid of that! I've updated my original post now after finding this post (after creating this topic - I did search, dangit!) in which it is suggested that the 6-bolt setup is 'significantly less strong.' Since I'd ultimately like to turbocharge this engine, I'm wondering if perhaps I shouldn't just suck it up and swap to an 8-bolt/228mm config now rather than committing myself to pulling the engine again to swap out the crank in 6-12 months.

[c.d.iesel]

more power? = suck it up now

[Mike Self]

still available, but difficult to find. I knew of a source here in the States where I got one for my early '69, but that's not gonna help you in the Netherlands.

As an aside--my engine --with a six bolt flywheel--is still going strong at 223k miles and no rebuild, but if you're gonna turbocharge, yes you might think about an 8 bolt crankshaft and 228 mm flywheel. Remember that you'll need a different throwout bearing for the diaphragm clutch, but the disks are the same.

cheers

mike

[Theodric]

Good info, thanks!

Guess I'll see if I can muster up enough German to ask Michael Cahsel if he has any 8-bolt cranks in stock, and look around for a suitable flywheel. I ran across an aluminum one that looked pretty tasty...

For my sanity: other than bolt quantity, there's no variation in the 2002-supplied M10 cranks, so I can buy one from any model year and it should work, correct? (That's what my research seems to indicate, in any case.) I believe some of the 1.8l engines had differences, so trying to avoid any gotchas before I lay my money down!

[Preyupy]

The 1.8i engines are a different stroke. The engines are the same stock bore of 89mm but the stroke is 71mm instead of the 80mm for the 2 liter engine. The bearings and connecting rods are the same but the wrist pin in the pistons are moved down to compensate for the shorter stroke.