engine driveability for a DD. For drag racing usually heavier is better for additional launch momentum to overcome the tire grip and for road racing lighter is usually better since the engine is operating in the higher end of the rpm power band and the lighter flywheel would be a benefit.
The flywheel provides the rotational mass necessary to smooth out the cyclical power pulses of the pistons/crankshaft assembly and for a V-6 there are only 3 power pulses per revolution (one every 120 degrees) thus they are fairly widespread around the circle (V-12's to the rescue). If the flywheel is to light the rotational inertia is reduced and there will be additional strain on the crank bearings due to the unbalanced transverse load of these piston forces on the crank bearings. Therefore for drivability the need to keep higher revs to reduce this effect would be required. Of course this all depends on how much lighter the flywheel is compared to stock. All mods are a compromise for a desired goal and that must always be kept in mind.
17:36:42 08/21/04
