Starter ring gear replacement 1968 (March)

[Merv]

I need to replace my starter ring gear. A few "teeth" are missing in one place due to some faulty pinion shaft retraction on the starter over the last few weeks. New starter obtained and I can see the new flywheel and ring gear (one piece set up for early years I gather) on PP. Quite pricey and two weeks away from me here in Australia. I will probably have to buy one ASAP but I was wondering, is there another (separate) ring gear (VW or Porsche) that could be adapted, fitted and balanced with the existing flywheel (with the old gear cogs milled off)? Sounds stupid I know but I am only asking how others have coped with the challenge of having to get the entire flywheel (and the new ones are often reported as being more brittle than the original ones).

[chris_seven]

merv,

We have seen a number of 901 Flywheels with this problem and I am not sure that I like the idea of machining off the ring gear and fitting an alternative part.

New ring gears tend to be cast and are generally brittle and this could be the problem you are referring to.

We have had flywheels made from a Chromoly Steel and they are lighter than stock at 4.3kg but look reasonably standard.

They are balanced to ISO G1.0.

[Merv]

These look the goods Chris. Do you have any available? Otherwise I will buy the PP one. I have no idea how well they are balanced and if I should get the new flywheel balanced.

[chris_seven]

OE Flywheels are component balanced and should be good just to bolt on without issue.

I am not sure about aftermarket parts but we balance to a relatively high standard so that we don't upset the assembly balance.

We have installed 6 of these so far and not had any issues.

I have them in stock but they are about the same cost as the PP Unit - the price from Porsche in the UK is much higher than $506 - (The last time I asked they were about $700 + Sales Tax)

You can also buy a flywheel from QSC in California at about $250 - they are 6.8kg and not bad for the money - these parts are balanced to about G2.5 which is OK.

I did buy a couple but by the time we added shipping and some machining to lighten it just wasn't worthwhile.

[Merv]

Chris the ones you show above look a pretty decent product and have the advantage of lightness as well. Can you send me (here or by PM) the price plus a (rough) estimate of freight to Australian Eastern state (Queensland-Brisbane way) ? I assume these will fit straight on without need for adaptation for the existing clutch, etc?

[chris_seven]

Merv,

Yes they work with the stock clutch.

[Merv]

Order sent through Chris.

[Merv]

Just paid on PP thanks Chris. Merv

[Merv]

Is the flywheel on route Chris?

Thanks

Merv

[chris_seven]

Yes,

But I have been out of the office and don't have the paperwork to hand. Will be there in the morning and will send details.