Which Aluminum Flywheel

CobraEd · #1 (**permalink**) 07-04-2006, 08:48 PM

I will be getting an aluminum flywheel for my car shortly. Need a 157 tooth 28oz for a worked 302 (carb)

I am between Ram and Fidanza. Does anyone know any pro's or con's on either?

Carnut427 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-04-2006, 11:59 PM

It depends on your low gear and final drive ratios, but in most cases you're better off with an iron flywheel. The problem is an aluminum flywheel doesn't store enough inertia to get the car moving smoothly from a standing start.

Dan

The Dreamer · #3 (**permalink**) 07-05-2006, 08:22 PM

Quote:

The problem is an aluminum flywheel doesn't store enough inertia to get the car moving smoothly from a standing start.

This is a rumor you hear from time to time, but it is absolutely NOT true. Never had a problem and of the several car I know with them, not a problem.

CobraEd · #4 (**permalink**) 07-05-2006, 08:33 PM

I absolutely know the benefit of a light aluminum flywheel on the street. It spools up real quick and you save all of the parasitic HP losses wasted in trying to spool up a big 30lb unit. I was just interested if anyone had an opinion on RAM vs Fidanza

Carnut427 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-05-2006, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Dreamer

This is a rumor you hear from time to time, but it is absolutely NOT true. Never had a problem and of the several car I know with them, not a problem.

While the issue is moot on this thread because CobraEd has decided he wants an aluminum flywheel, what I said about aluminum flywheels not storing enough inertia is no rumor. I experienced it myself with a toploader with 2.32 low and 3:73 gears. Others said they had no problem when using the wide ratio trans and it's lower first gear. My experience was having to rev the engine higher than normal to "launch" it from a dead stop; once moving, I could accelerate from 1,000 RPM or less with no problem. It was the initial launch, where the aluminum flywheel didn't store enough inertia, that was the only problem. On the drag strip or roadcoarse, aluminum is the way to go because the you're either reving the engine enough to overcome the inertia issue or starting from a dead stop is not an issue.
I'm sincerely glad, however, that you didn't experience the issue I did.

Dan

Scott M Jackson · #6 (**permalink**) 07-06-2006, 07:43 AM

I'd be real interested in any other opinions or rather experiences. I see that it is an issue of about 15 pounds difference between the flywheels. I guess that is about 30 percent. I find it hard to believe that it makes a lot of difference. Thanks, Scott

CobraEd · #7 (**permalink**) 07-06-2006, 08:16 AM

16lbs vs. 30lbs for a small block ford. 1/2 the weight. All the new HiPo factory cars are going to aluminum.

Cobra 29 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-16-2006, 06:56 AM

CobraEd, it sounds like these light weight flywheels would be a great addition to our lighter weight cars. I am surprised my the shortage of personal expereince. I guess due to pulling the trans and the new flywheel not being visible, this modification is more rare.