02-04-2006, 02:06 PM | #1 |
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Flywheels: Aluminum vs. Steel
I guess this forum is as good as any. Admins, you won't hurt my feelings if you think it needs to be moved.
Let's talk about the advantages/disadvantages of steel and aluminum flywheels. I know aluminum flywheels allow the engine to rev faster and make a little more power up top because they're lighter and steel flywheels are cheaper.
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02-04-2006, 03:35 PM | #2 |
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Re: Flywheels: Aluminum vs. Steel
A flywheel is a storage device. The heavier it is, the more energy it stores...When you dump a clutch, the energy stored in the FW goes through the clutch and driveline to the tires.
Steel flywheel hits the tires hard at first...good launch. But once that energy is expended, it becomes another piece of weight to accelerate. So an aluminum will move faster down the track and mph more.
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02-04-2006, 03:47 PM | #3 | |
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Re: Flywheels: Aluminum vs. Steel
Quote:
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02-04-2006, 03:54 PM | #4 | |
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Re: Flywheels: Aluminum vs. Steel
Quote:
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02-04-2006, 04:12 PM | #5 |
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Re: Flywheels: Aluminum vs. Steel
The '03 is aluminum.
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02-04-2006, 06:26 PM | #6 |
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Re: Flywheels: Aluminum vs. Steel
Coupe's explanation was spot on.
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02-12-2006, 08:44 PM | #7 |
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Re: Flywheels: Aluminum vs. Steel
Coupe's explanation was dead on. Let me see if I can add to that by putting drag race scenarios in the mix. If you have a car like mine, that makes a ton of torque then a heavy flywheel will make hooking the small tires nearly impossible. I run an aluminum for that reason, same reason the 03-04 cobra's run them. Now, for a car that wants to hook hard on drag radials, they can use an aluminum flywheel to soften the hit on the tires. For a blower car that is going to launch at really high rpm's to keep it in the boost, an aluminum flywheel will also help allow the tires to hook, by not storing up as much energy to transfer.
I run steel flywheels in all motor cars that are launching at reasonable rpm's on slicks. I also use it on cars with less than 3.55 gears or thereabouts. Keeps it easier to drive especially on a daily driver. My black coupe is still easy to drive currently with the aluminum flywheel, and a 3.73 gear. Now that it is a 3.55, it is a little touchier to drive it and not do the dreaded stall out. Hope this helps out...
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02-13-2006, 04:34 PM | #8 |
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Re: Flywheels: Aluminum vs. Steel
I really want one now that I know a little more about them. I will need all the help with traction I can get.
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02-13-2006, 05:07 PM | #9 |
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Re: Flywheels: Aluminum vs. Steel
Excellent info and explanations!
Have been wondering about this myself. Big thanks to all!
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02-13-2006, 05:15 PM | #10 |
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Re: Flywheels: Aluminum vs. Steel
I'll be sticking with an aluminum flywheel, but I'll most likely be upgrading from the stock one to a better one when I put a clutch in. Thanks to everyone who posted.
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