Lightened Flywheel - slower hills?

[Chris in CT]

For a few years now I have been hearing from numerous sources that removing weight from the flywheel will cause the Model A to loose speed when climbing hills. Since I have a new slung (counterbalanced) crankshaft in my own car, I experimented first with removing about 8 lbs. at the time the crank was installed, then this past winter I had the full 20 lbs. removed with the V-8 clutch installed. So, within the period of a few years, I have had the stock flywheel, 8 lbs lightened, and 20 pounds lightened. Yes, the engine has a B cam, and a 5.5:1 head. I have to say that I have noticed no loss of speed climbing hills since the 40 lb flywheel was installed. Hill climbing performance is about the same as it was with the heavier iron. What I have noticed, however, is that the engine is very sensitive to the set of the advance (timing) lever, much more so that with the stock or 54 lb iron. I've gotten used to playing with it, as opposed to set-it-and-forget-it, and have learned where it needs to be for lower speeds, high speeds, and hill climbing with foot to the floor. I should say that I do my driving on route 22 in New York between Lake George and Lake Champlain in the summer. Those of you who know the route will know that there are some very challenging hills on this road, as well as the back roads connected to it. I'd be interested in hearing from others on this topic...

[V4F]

ditto ............... steve

[Rainmaker Ron]

Originally Posted by Chris in CT

For a few years now I have been hearing from numerous sources that removing weight from the flywheel will cause the Model A to loose speed when climbing hills. Since I have a new slung (counterbalanced) crankshaft in my own car, I experimented first with removing about 8 lbs. at the time the crank was installed, then this past winter I had the full 20 lbs. removed with the V-8 clutch installed. So, within the period of a few years, I have had the stock flywheel, 8 lbs lightened, and 20 pounds lightened. Yes, the engine has a B cam, and a 5.5:1 head. I have to say that I have noticed no loss of speed climbing hills since the 40 lb flywheel was installed. Hill climbing performance is about the same as it was with the heavier iron. What I have noticed, however, is that the engine is very sensitive to the set of the advance (timing) lever, much more so that with the stock or 54 lb iron. I've gotten used to playing with it, as opposed to set-it-and-forget-it, and have learned where it needs to be for lower speeds, high speeds, and hill climbing with foot to the floor. I should say that I do my driving on route 22 in New York between Lake George and Lake Champlain in the summer. Those of you who know the route will know that there are some very challenging hills on this road, as well as the back roads connected to it. I'd be interested in hearing from others on this topic...

We no longer operate the Model A in conditions that require kinetic energy of a massive flywheel to jerk the load into motion. The engine has enough rotating mass to run just fine without a flywheel. You only need the flywheel as a place to mount the starter ring gear! Rainmaker Ron with a 22 lb aluminum flywheel.

[d.j. moordigian]

Chris,
The sensitive to the advance is more than likely the head, when was it installed?
The lighter f/w should just change the way the car takes off and making the engine
snapper on acceleration, depending on the weight of the car.

Dudley

[Pete]

Originally Posted by Rainmaker Ron

We no longer operate the Model A in conditions that require kinetic energy of a massive flywheel to jerk the load into motion. The engine has enough rotating mass to run just fine without a flywheel. You only need the flywheel as a place to mount the starter ring gear! Rainmaker Ron with a 22 lb aluminum flywheel.

I run 12 lb aluminum flywheels with a 12 lb damper.
Nice to drive and the engine lives longer.

[JoeWay]

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Ron and Pete,

Do your aluminum flywheels have cast iron or steel friction surfaces?

Joe

[Pete]

Originally Posted by JoeWay

Ron and Pete,

Do your aluminum flywheels have cast iron or steel friction surfaces?

Joe

Mine have steel friction surfaces that are replaceable....They are from a SBC...Easy to re-machine to fit a Ford..

[Rainmaker Ron]

The insert is ductile iron.
Rainmaker Ron

[just plain bill]

Originally Posted by JoeWay

Ron and Pete,

Do your aluminum flywheels have cast iron or steel friction surfaces?

Joe

I have 2 both have steel inserts one is forged 11.5lbs the other is billet 16 lbs. I ran the 11.5 on a 1500 lbs hill climb car started in 2 nd with 5.30's in the rear.