[QUOTE=Bob Bidonde;1917902]The flywheel dampens the torsional impulses in the crankshaft from the power stroke, the compression stroke, acceleration and deceleration of the crankshaft's RPM (changes in momentum: Force x length of time applied = mass x velocity).
Putting a small damper on the front of the crankshaft is money wasted because it has a minuscule mass and radius of gyration relative to the flywheel.
OK, so how about putting a damper on the front AFTER removing much of that excess mass from the flywheel??
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The flywheel is also a gyro, so it opposes changes in its rotational axis and dampens the engine's tendency to rock vertically about the rear engine mounts.
Lightening the flywheel gives the engine a mechanical advantage to accelerate / decelerate quicker (change engine's momentum). So lightening the flywheel a significant amount (pounds, not ounces) improves acceleration, shifting, braking, reduces rear main bearing stress and should improve gas mileage. On the other hand, lightening the flywheel decreases its ability to dampen the engine's impulses and vibrations. Thus it is a trade-off to lighten a flywheel.
The trade-off is worthwhile in my opinion, so I favor lightening the flywheel for improvement of the car's performance. By the way, the weight of a stock flywheel and clutch is 80 lbs.
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On the "plus" side of the heavy flywheel is that it seems near impossible to stall taking off. All that mass rotating helps the engine to get these little cars going from a dead stop. This is one of the reasons i plan to teach my grandkids to drive on the A. Easier to learn to take off, nat as easy as a synchro trans but not too difficult to shift, if they can drive this they can drive anything and how many kids these days can say they learned to drive on a Model A.