When we've discussed performance Pontiac Star Chief flywheels with other enthusiasts, one of the most common advantages we've heard is that they simply make driving more fun. Everyone loves a rev-happy Pontiac Star Chief engine, and a performance flywheel definitely helps in that department. Installing a lightweight Pontiac Star Chief flywheel offers a noticeable improvement from the first time you start your engine. In fact, just revving an engine with a lightweight flywheel makes us all giddy inside and brings a smile to our faces, and isn't that what it's all about?

Lightweight aftermarket flywheels help Pontiac Star Chief engines rev faster, and provide quicker acceleration due to less rotational mass and parasitic drag, especially in lower gears. This can be especially beneficial with turbocharged vehicles since faster revving equals reduced turbo lag. Some manufacturers offer steel Pontiac Star Chief performance flywheels, which some racing organizations require for competitive track use, so if you're building a race vehicle you will want to check with whichever sanctioning body you will be racing under to ensure compliance.

Q: How do you install a flywheel?
A: We recommend professional installation since dropping the transmission or whole motor is usually needed. Once the transmission is off of the block, you can go ahead and remove your clutch setup and flywheel. Replace the factory flywheel with your aftermarket one, and re-install the clutch. (Buying a new clutch is a good idea at this point since it needs to be taken off anyway.)

Q: What does a flywheel do? Why buy a flywheel?
A: A flywheel is a component of your clutch assembly, and can make a huge difference in how your car responds when you press the gas pedal. Lightened flywheels are made out of aluminum or chromoly, which reduces the rotating mass by dramatically trimming weight as compared to your heavy factory OEM flywheel. Because the lighter flywheel has less inertia, the engine doesn't need that much torque (power) to spin the flywheel to reach the certain rpm. The result is your car's rpm will increase faster. Additionally, the reduced weight alone will give you a bump in power.