Ive been told it has to be done, can be done with sandpaper, and dont need it unless the flywheel has hot spots. Whats you opinion on this? Please explain your answer.

I would resurface the flywheel when doing a cluch, If you don`t it may not engage smothly (clutch chatter). resurfacing it will take out any hi spots,and make it true. thats my opinion.

Also sand paper will not do a good job

It seems to me that it costs so much in time and labour just to get to the clutch and flywheel that if you are replacing the clutch it makes sense to get the flywheel machined/replaced at the same time. Replace bearing, seals etc... for the same reason. Sandpaper may seem cheap but could get expensive if you have a premature clutch failure.

Every flywheel I have seen has hot spots.I have never seen how they re-surface the flywheel but I would imagine it is done the same way they re-surface a rotor or drum.I dont think sandpaper would work
Kinda off-topic but....
If you do get a aftermarket flywheel,does it have to be balanced?I have always wondered that

My brother had his flywheel resurfaced('04 Elantra GT) when he replaced his clutch. The shop charged him $30 and he was able to pick it up that same afternoon. It came back to him looking brand new.....before it had a lot of hot spots and discolorations on it. Sandpaper won't do the trick...at all. That's like using sandpaper to turn your brake rotors.

THey use a lathe to resurface flywheels.

Every flywheel I have seen has hot spots.I have never seen how they re-surface the flywheel but I would imagine it is done the same way they re-surface a rotor or drum.I dont think sandpaper would work
Kinda off-topic but....
If you do get a aftermarket flywheel,does it have to be balanced?I have always wondered that
yes, you should have the new flywheel neutral balanced. (with pressure plate attatched)

the flywheel likely wont be that far out of balance (my fidanza wasnt) but I had it balanced anyway.

you will probably have a hard time finding a shop with the ability to balance a "4 banger" flywheel, but im sure with a little probing, you'll find a place.

and witch, I've still got that stock flywheel in my garage if you're in need. I guess I could have it machined and "sell" it to you'd like.

You can use sand paper to resurface a drum, rotors need to be within closer tolerances. The only reason I am asking is because thar resurface could leave me without the car for another week. I dont know of many machine shops that do work on the weekends. Unless I can work on it a little bit during the week after the shop gets done. I have a feeling this is going to take some time because its my first fwd clutch ever.

sending you a PM about that flywheel