Aluminum vs. Steel Reluctor Wheel

idrivemyself · Post by **idrivemyself** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 3:10 am

I was at the junk yard and snatched up this gem:

I was planning on using the typical 36-1 toothed wheel but since it will be exposed this may be better. Not only for the weight savings...

I ran a quick search for "aluminum reluctor wheel" and didn't come across one.

Could there be any problems with using the circular slugs in the aluminum wheel as opposed to the square cut style?

Svein · Post by **Svein** » Sat Jul 04, 2009 8:34 am

My understanding on this is that the pickup need a ferro reluctor wheel to work properly

Post by **brentp** » Sat Jul 04, 2009 4:42 pm

Interesting- If those holes have steel / iron inserts installed in each hole, then it will likely work, as it will give the effect of a steel toothed trigger wheel.

What engine did that come off of, and where was it installed on the engine?

idrivemyself · Post by **idrivemyself** » Sat Jul 04, 2009 5:13 pm

Yes, each of those 36 small circles is a press fit steel slug. I found the wheel on a Ford Escort, IIRC it was a '95 wagon. It also had an accessory belt pulley machined onto the front of the wheel. I removed it as I run a V-belt. Should've taken a picture with it on though... Hopefully I'll be starting the motor by then end of the month. We'll see then!