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What
flywheel do I need?
The flywheel is the foundation of
the clutch system, and because it is an energy storage device, also
determines the amount of power available to launch the car. A
heavy flywheel stores more energy as it spins than a light flywheel. If
your engine and gearing combination requires more power or inertia to
make the car launch without bogging the motor, you will want a heavier
flywheel. Keep in mind, though, that a heavier flywheel will be slower
to accelerate through the gears. 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. Too
little gear will cause the engine to nose over or ‘bog’ on launch.
RAM billet steel flywheels are
recommended as a replacement for factory cast flywheels in high
performance and racing vehicles. Cast flywheels are not explosion proof
and can be dangerous when used in high performance applications at
higher RPMs. RAM billet steel flywheels are CNC machined from certified
materials and exceed SFI specifications. After machining, the flywheels
are blanchard ground parallel to the crankshaft mounting surface
ensuring minimum runout and the optimum mating surface for the clutch
disc. Use steel flywheels in heavier drag race
cars or for the best driveability in street driven vehicles.
The choice for most all out
competition vehicles, RAM billet aluminum flywheels are CNC machined
from certified materials and exceed SFI standards. A key feature of a
RAM aluminum flywheel is the ¼ inch steel friction insert*. A well tuned
competition clutch system has a predetermined amount of slippage at
launch and on the gear changes. The flywheel insert must have enough
mass to absorb the heat generated by slippage without distortion;
ensuring maximum clutch life and consistent performance. Thinner inserts
can warp and lift causing uneven engagement across the clutch disc. The
thicker insert remains flatter and dissipates the heat better. Each
flywheel is precision ground after the steel insert is installed to
ensure the friction surface is parallel with the crankshaft flange for
minimum runout and to provide the optimum mating surface for your choice
of clutch disc.
*exc. sport compact,
.187" thick
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