Lightweight Flywheel for an ION3?

[theP]

Heylo everybody.

I've got an 04 ion3 QC and am starting to think about if/how I would like to mod it. Nothing to serious as it is and will be my daily driver for the next 3+ years (I hope <_>).

At first I was thinking go the "traditional" route and get a CAI, headers, exhaust. However I read here and from a friend that a lightweight flywheel would provide a comparable performance increase at a lesser cost.

I've read that it reduces some of the jerkiness while shifting gears, allows the engine to rev a bit more freely, and saves on synchro wear.

Sounds good to me so far, but then I read that it will hurt you off the line. Something about lower 60' times - not that I'd be racing much if at all, but 60' is what average acceleration from a traffic light would be, no? And if it would turn out "slower" in that regard I don't think I'd enjoy it. I've been told to go with something steel, not aluminum as the aluminum ones tend to expand/contract over long driving sessions. Finally, I've heard you can simply have the stocky flywheel lightened rather than buy a whole new one..

Could someone clarify which parts of this info are true, if any. O_O

Summary - lightweight flywheel - is it worth it? Or are you better off with I/H/E in terms of cost vs. results. Remember this is for my daily driver (2.2) ION3

Thanks in advance for any advice

[Eco-Mod]

A lightweight flywheel will free up some rev's. You are correct in that you may lose some in your 60' times. Some have had their stock flywheel machined with similar results as a lightweight replacement. However the flywheel will not have as much thermal capacity, and will be weakened causing flexing.

Being a former 2.2 Ion owner. I think you will be much more happy with an intake, exhaust, and header. I would probably suggest lowering springs rather than a header, unless you are planning to get a downpipe as well, since it is a rather large restriction with the bends and the cat. But hey, do what makes you happy, its your car!

[theP]

That was very helpful thanks. Lowering springs was actually next on the list. The wheel gap is horrible looking and I've heard nothing but good things from ION owners about the changes in handling/etc. Thanks again for the help!