[Miata] What does SFI1.1 rating mean for flywheels

[Peter DelMastro]

Having an SFI rating ensures the product complies with a minimum safety 
standard.

This seems like a real feature to me. I want to have some assurance that 
the 10-lb disc, with sharp teeth, that is spinning at 7000 rpm near my 
feet, will be hold together.

As a consumer, I can't tell if a particular part is rated or not unless 
its advertised as such. For me, I'm not buying a flywheel unless its got 
that rating.

I've noticed that the steel flywheels (such as the ACT XACT) are rated, 
but its unclear to me if aluminum ones (like the Fidanza) are. I sent 
email to Fidanza to try and get clarification.

  -- Pete

Keith Tanner wrote:
> With regards to what flywheels have it - I suspect most on the market
> do. I know ours do, and I'm pretty sure our website doesn't
> acknowledge it.
>
> Keith
>
> On Nov 30, 2007 8:30 PM, Peter DelMastro <pete.delmastro at charter.net> wrote:
>   
>> Hi all,
>>
>> I've done some more digging and this is what I've learned.
>>
>> SFI is a non-profit foundation that issues & administers safety
>> standards for performance automotive & racing equipment. You can reach
>> their website here: http://www.sfifoundation.com/
>>
>> They have a variety of standards that pertain to safety features of
>> various of equipment. From SFI 1.1 on flywheels to SFI 52.1 on Fueler
>> Apron and a whole lot of stuff in between.
>>
>> I called them up and spoke with a tech who was nice enough to give me
>> some details on the flywheel spec. She also sent me a PDF copy, which I
>> will share with anyone who is interested in the complete details.
>>
>> In a nutshell, the spec identifies the kinds of materials that may be
>> used to construct the flywheel as well as the tests that SFI does on
>> parts for certification. In this case they perform a tensile test on a
>> sample of the material and then a rotational test @150% of max engine
>> speed. Its then inspected for cracks or other failures.
>>
>> If a part meets those criteria then it receives SFI certification.
>>
>> I hope that helps,
>>
>>   -- Pete
>>
>> pete.delmastro at charter.net wrote:
>>     
>>> Hi all,
>>>
>>> I'm shopping around for a lightweight flywheel for my 1.8L.
>>>
>>> I've noticed that some flywheels carry an SFI1.1 rating while others don't.
>>>
>>> Can you tell me what an SFI rating buys you in a flywheel? Aside from being
>>> able to complete in events where SFI rating is required (which I don't)
>>> what does this rating mean ?
>>>
>>> My quick Google search didn't reveal the details of what this specification
>>> is about.
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>>
>>>   -- Pete