Thread: torque and lightweight flywheels????

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Just a general question here.

Given a typical street/strip big block with 500-550 lb/ft of torque, would a lightweight flywheel be a little more streetable than say on a more high strung small block??

It is my understanding that a heavier flywheel helps launch by storing more energy than a lighter one. I'm also thinking that the hevier internals of a big block would help in rev matching and rpm hanging on upshits with a lighter flywheel.

Lighter flywheels rev somewhat quicker, and heavier ones hold rpm between shifts or on launch better. But I had both on a 400" GTO, and I couldn't tell the difference on the street - and you did ask about streetable. Same thing on my big-block A-bone.

With all that reciprocating mass in a big block, I doubt an aluminum flywheel would make much difference. With heat issues, don't think I would run an aluminum flywheel on the street. The heavier flywheel helps keep the rpm up on shifts. Less rpm loss on a shift is a good thing....

I ran an AL flywheel on my GTO. Ate it real fast, then put on a heavy steel plate. I wouldn't run AL on the street again.