I’m having a 9” pro series nodular iron case assembly built using Strange parts and need to purchase a MW spool because I have MW 35 spline axles. I’m looking at the MW lightweight steel spool. For $90 more I can purchase the aluminum spool and it saves 3.9#.

What are the opinions on steel vs aluminum spool in a nodular case?

3.8 lbs for 90 bucks is no brainer IMO. Then I am weight cutting crazed. Cheap HP. As for durablity I know quite a few guys that run the 35 spline for weight savings and can run aluminum spool for more savings, None have had issue with the that I have heard of.

I bought 40 spline axle because had 3 spools and cases, None the bigger bearing, Did not think about not being able to run aluminum spool while doing so and kind of regret it now. If doing it again I would go 35 spline drilled axles and aluminum spool.

You have a steel Nodular case that is heavy, (about 20 Lbs heavier than aluminum) I would replace it before the spool if weight is the concern. Now 4 Lbs on the spool is not much and an aluminum spool may not last as long? Supposedly removing rotating weight is supposed to help more than fixed weight. I have not seen that in my program but it does all add up. I do not think you would be able to see any difference in ET between a steel and aluminum spool.

Not about saving rear weight and definitely using a steel nodular case. But do have a choice of spool material and reason for asking advice.

quote:

Originally posted by markemark:
I’m having a 9” pro series nodular iron case assembly built using Strange parts and need to purchase a MW spool because I have MW 35 spline axles. I’m looking at the MW lightweight steel spool. For $90 more I can purchase the aluminum spool and it saves 3.9#.

What are the opinions on steel vs aluminum spool in a nodular case?

M & M,

What are you trying to accomplish with an aluminum spool, besides 3.9 lb. weight savings? Plus, you're giving up a material difference in durability.

Many members on this site need to remind themselves they're BRACKET RACING, this is a Bracket Talk Forum! I try to remind myself before each time I make a change.

I always try to weigh the Pros & Cons when considering a change(s) in my bracket program & my secondary, index program. I can & have run much quicker/faster, but I chose to slow the tune-up so the Pros out weight the Cons.

2BKING

quote:

What are you trying to accomplish with an aluminum spool, besides 3.9 lb. weight savings? Plus, you're giving up a material difference in durability. :

Just asking the question because I have a choice between steel and aluminum and never have used aluminum. I’m leaning towards lightened steel spool vs aluminum just because its iron case.

Heck never even thought about nodular case only been 40 years since had one.LOL

I still say if you sav e 4lbs for 90 bucks I would go for it. I mean hell I klnow guys with blowers running aluminum spools for 100's of runs and no issue.

quote:

Originally posted by markemark:

quote:

What are you trying to accomplish with an aluminum spool, besides 3.9 lb. weight savings? Plus, you're giving up a material difference in durability. :

Just asking the question because I have a choice between steel and aluminum and never have used aluminum. I’m leaning towards lightened steel spool vs aluminum just because its iron case.

What's Mark Williams recommending? They're the only ones I would listen too!

2BKING

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Originally posted by B KING: What's Mark Williams recommending? They're the only ones I would listen too!

Think I will. On their website all the lower hp and very extreme third member builds use steel, while the in-between builds use aluminum. Go figure.

I havnet used a iron center but have run a aluminum spool at 2500 hp with zero issues...for a couple seasons... eventually a ring bolt or two came loose and ruined the spool but it never failed...

Steel

quote:

Originally posted by seabass:
I haven't used a iron center but have run a aluminum spool at 2500 hp with zero issues...for a couple seasons... eventually a ring bolt or two came loose and ruined the spool but it never failed...

Interesting. MW offers 7/16 ring gear bolt option with the spools and they are drilled for safety wire. Talked to MW and they said both offerings are a great choice.

Either one I would say. I doubt very much you will ever see the gains from the aluminum - except if you have to pull it out it will be a little lighter. LOL.

I have the MW 3.06 case, so I have the lightened steel spool and the lightened 4.29 R&P. The MW aluminum spool requires the larger 3.25 case.

Bob

quote:

Originally posted by seabass:
I havnet used a iron center but have run a aluminum spool at 2500 hp with zero issues...for a couple seasons... eventually a ring bolt or two came loose and ruined the spool but it never failed...

If Jr's 2500 Hp motor does not tear up an aluminum spool my junk sure can not hurt one.........

I see no benefit to an aluminum spool except higher cost (larger bearing case to hold it), reduced component life, and that's about it. Unless you're running comp eliminator and looking to save every single ounce, or Pro Stock, I doubt you'll see any gain at all, just a lighter wallet. Lighter wheels, Ti studs and nuts, different slicks will matter more. The issue is where the center of gravity is for rotation. The closer to the center of mass, the less it affects it. Just not worth it in my opnion....I'd rather have an aluminum case, save 15-20lbs, smaller bolt circle on the wheels within reason, milled axle flanges, lighter battery, etc....take weight off the car and run a steel spool......

When money isn't a factor decisions are easier to make, just write the check.

I weight/consider everything from an engineering and cost/value stand point. If a component choice can truly meet those standards I will wait until I have the funds and make the purchase. A few of those choices failed to yield the improvements I expected but I did gain something, a little wisdom. I gained a better understanding of some engineering principles and a better judgement on where I spend my money. My first decision is always driven by safety then reliability, then effectiveness, cost is a bit further down the line. I'm not "Rollin' in money" but I certainly am patient. One other factor is that no one will out work me, two ex-wives will attest to that.

Bob

I suggest lightened steel. Why risk aluminum? We are dialing in anyway. I broke an aluminum spool in a stock eliminator car (lighter is always better right?). Sheared the splines out of one side of the spool. Jammed it up so bad it took a BIG slide hammer to get the axle out.
Jok

Mark Iran an aluminum spool in my vet for years of cuorse it only weighted 2330 with me in it Iam sure you are much heavyer than that s be carefull it was a 35 spline strange unit never failed but....