At the local Lone Star Chapter BMWCCA meeting tonight, the host, Autoscope, passed out a flyer for the Dinan 545/645 lightweigh flywheel. Suggested retail price is $1995 plus 70 units of labor. The flywheel has been lightened by 7 pounds and is supposed to result in a 40% reduction of rotational inertia. That in turn will decrease shifting time between gears for smoother shifts. Tempting to say the least.

 

That is pretty expensive!!

 

JDN,

Sorry I missed the meeting, I always keep forgetting about them. Will try and make the next one. I want to hear Remus in person. Anyway, what did you mean by 70 Units of labor?

70 hours? If so, that is quite a bit of labor.

Thanks!

Regards,

Michael

 

Michael, this is the description of labor units per the Dinan web page.

'Labor ?units? are provided as a reference for determining your retail installation price for each Dinan Performance Product. Each labor unit represents 1/10 of an hour. Dinan recommends, however, that the installation is sold based upon the number of labor units published, not the time required to install the product. The actual installation time may vary depending upon the technician?s experience and other factors.'

So, maybe 70 labor units is about $700 in labor. If so, that would be about $2900 installed. While the flyer speaks of faster acceleration and better throttle response, nothing is quantified. When I came back from the meeting all entuhused and explained the flywheel to my wife, she just looked at me as if to say, "What the hay!" It will be a hard sell to both her and me even though I would like to have it.

I made the last three meetings because they were all pretty close and one of the dealers or Autoscope was bringing in a catered meal. Last night had to be the best lasagna I have ever eaten.

About that Remus, I live in far, far, north Dallas, almost in Plano and almost in Richardson. Would be glad to meet you at a coffee shop (ice cream shop ) and let you listen to Mr. Remus if there is a mutually convenient location. PM me if this could be a plan.

 

Big bucks Jim. I'm in for the icecream though....remember?

 

Almost 3,000 for a flywheel installed is absolutely ridiculous. You'll shift faster, but it will NOT be smoother. A lighter flywheel will make the shifts more abrupt. Higher inertia smooths out the shifts. Lower will make the shifts quicker, and will give you better throttle response. Minimal performance increase for a lot of $'s.

 

Haha.

Let's see how many of THOSE they sell.

 

Ah, yes, I remember. Braums, wasn't it. I remember it was your treat. Thanks, Andy, and 10-4 on the big bucks.

 

Two words: waste money!