QUOTE(cuddyk @ Apr 7 2016, 12:39 PM)
What's the consensus on getting everything balanced before installing? I've read some posts saying it's super important to get all the spinning bits balanced...but a lot of people seem to just bolt on the new clutch, flywheel and PP and go.
Well, funny you are asking this because I went through the same thought process before order the parts I needed. I consulted a 40+ year veteran from PCA. He said DON'T replace anything unless you absolutely have to. The quality of the new stuff sometimes is questionable. For instance a while for back he checked to see if a new pressure plate was balanced and found it way way off. He also was not a fan of resurfacing a flywheel, unless you are sure that who ever does it knows what they are doing. If they do not mount it correctly on the machine, they will in essence put a warp in it. Then you end up with chatter etc.
The flywheel is balanced at the factory with the crankshaft. If you replace it you would have to tear apart the motor to balance them together. So, if your flywheel is okay, meaning not scored or worn below spec., just scuff it up with emery cloth and re-install. Just be gentle on the clutch for the first 50 miles and it will seat right in.
This is ultimately what I ended up doing:
I replaced the clutch disk, PP, and TO bearing. I kept the original flywheel and scuffed it as mentioned above. I took the chance with a possible unbalanced new PP since the fingers where quite worn on the original from the old TO bearing. I didn't think it would last without replacement even thought the above mentioned "expert" said it was fine. I've road tested for 30 miles and it seems to work very well. I also changed all the seals and shift bushings that had failed then cleaned and greased everything. Now it shifts much better and the clutch does not slip upon acceleration in any gear.
I hope this gives you some insight as to what to do. I'm sure that there are a 1000 different ways to approach the project. And I'm sure you will get a ton of advice here. Good luck!
Dave