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 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. Ram generally does not recommend
aluminum flywheels for street use unless it is an autocross type of
car. All Ram flywheels are surface ground and factory balanced to
the engine
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