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-   -   Which Aluminum Flywheel (http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/shop-talk/70914-aluminum-flywheel.html)

CobraEd 07-04-2006 09:48 PM
Which Aluminum Flywheel
 
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 07-05-2006 12:59 AM
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 07-05-2006 09:22 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 07-05-2006 09:33 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 07-05-2006 11:09 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 07-06-2006 08:43 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 07-06-2006 09:16 AM
16lbs vs. 30lbs for a small block ford. 1/2 the weight. All the new HiPo factory cars are going to aluminum.

CobraEd 07-06-2006 09:21 AM
RAM Flywheel specs
 
http://www.ramclutches.com/Products/flywheel_apps.htm

Carnut427 07-06-2006 05:35 PM
http://www.ramclutches.com/Products/flywheels.htm

CobraEd 07-07-2006 07:05 AM
From the RAM Web page:

"A lighter flywheel creates less inertia at launch, but will accelerate quicker through the gears. In order to effectively use a lighter flywheel, you must consider the car weight, operating RPM of the engine, and most importantly, the gearing".

This is exactly why a 2,300lb car with 400hp and 3.73 gears is idealy suited for an aluminum flywheel. A Cobra by definition is a competition car. They go like stink with these flywheels.

The Dreamer 07-07-2006 07:19 PM
Quote:
I'm sincerely glad, however, that you didn't experience the issue I did.
Nor anyone else I know who had one. I'm sorry you had a problem with yours.

Carnut427 07-11-2006 10:54 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Dreamer
Nor anyone else I know who had one. I'm sorry you had a problem with yours.
Now assume I really meant what I said, and wasn't making a dig at you.

Dan

DAVID GAGNARD 07-12-2006 05:32 AM
I have one of each right now............both 65 Mustangs, the race car weighs 2777, close ratio toploader,3.70 rear gear, 15lb. alum. flywheel, 331 stroker............the other is a street Fastback, 3060 lb., 351-W,Tremec five speed, 3.25 ear gear 30lb. steel flywheel............

Final gear drive in the race car is 8.5 in 1st gear, street car is 10.6......so there is big difference...........street car will take off from an 800rpm idle with no problems like it should, the race car needs a little more help feathering the throttle, but it's no big deal...........

It's hard for me to tell the difference in the flywheels when accelerating cause the street car has 350 hp and the race car has 472hp...kinda like apples and oranges, but in a lightweight Cobra, an aluminum flywheel should not be a problem...........

BTW; I'm running a Hays flywheel, I don't have any real preference in brands, I got this one for a steal from a guy that had it sitting in his shop for 2 years after he sold his "project car".........it was still new in the box and I paid 50cents on the dollar for it.........

David

The Dreamer 07-12-2006 04:42 PM
Quote:
Now assume I really meant what I said, and wasn't making a dig at you.
I did, but I clarified that I and others I know with aluminum flywheels have not experienced the problems you had. With a single point, you can draw an infinite number of curves.

Quote:
I'm sorry you had a problem with yours.
Now assume I really meant what I said, and wasn't making a dig at you.

Carnut427 07-12-2006 11:01 PM
Sorry, I misunderstood you.

Dan

Cobra 29 07-16-2006 07:56 AM
Hope more expereince is shared
 
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.


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