Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Transaxle Flywheel

This example of gained HP in each gear is related to the moment of inertia. It is the rate of acceleration that is improved, same with any lightened mass...this part is always better for power and less stress on the components in normal situations. However, the rate of acceleration is so poor in 3rd gear and higher, that it isn't worth that much, and if you consider the case of these decently done 3L motors, any of them will burn the tires through 1st and maybe second gear and the lightened flywheel will only make that situation worse.
I don't think that the cost justifies the gain when I look at it from that perspective. Better or easier launching is also a benefit that should help out with a more massive flywheel and may overshadow the benefits of the lightened mass.

On the subject of reliability and to forestall a full scale flame of the individual who posted about it earlier, here's a few points:
I am only going to mention that the whole dual mode damper saga was based on its ability to damp harmfull frequencies at different ranges, resonances if you will. Why is it not under consideration now? What is the end result of that process? The end result is smoothing the torque of the engine. Well the flywheel does that a lot. Also, the more massive the rotating assembly, then generally the lower the resonance point which could be designed to keep that out of the normal operational rpm range. All in all, that may contribute to longevity and any change to that may be detrimental.

warmonger