Is a lightened flywheel overrated? (I think so)

[Craig Lewis]

Originally Posted by Patrick L.

How much is actually usually added to a 'weighted' crank ?? It seems I've always heard and read that about 20# 'must' be removed from the wheel when the crank is ' weighted' .. Physics is physics and 'arm' [length] is everything isn't it ?? My girlfriends have always said that anyway..

I utilized patterns from one of the Restorer series of books & cut these crank weights from 5/8 plate steel.
After grinding and dressing to fit the crank, the 4 together weighed 11 pounds just before welding them on.
The machinist who balanced everything commented what very little metal had to be ground from the 4 lugs to bring it into balance... so I'd guess 10-11 pounds is about the average.
It seems I had 30 lbs cut from the flywheel (haven't got my notes handy)
I still haven't run it, but now you guys got me worried cuz I hope it doesn't lose that distinctive low Model A idle with the light flywheel!