The flywheel is the foundation of the clutch system, and because it is an energy storage device, also determines the amount of power available to launch the car. A heavy flywheel stores more energy as it spins than a light flywheel. If your engine and gearing combination requires more power or inertia to make the car launch without bogging the motor, you will want a heavier flywheel. Keep in mind, though, that a heavier flywheel will be slower to accelerate through the gears. A lighter flywheel creates less inertia at launch, but will accelerate quicker through the gears. In order to effectively use a lighter flywheel, you must consider the car weight, operating RPM of the engine, and most importantly, the gearing. Too little gear will cause the engine to nose over or ‘bog’ on launch.
RAM billet steel flywheels are recommended as a replacement for factory cast flywheels in high performance and racing vehicles. Cast flywheels are not explosion proof and can be dangerous when used in high performance applications at higher RPMs. RAM billet steel flywheels are CNC machined from certified materials and exceed SFI specifications. After machining, the flywheels are blanchard ground parallel to the crankshaft mounting surface ensuring minimum runout and the optimum mating surface for the clutch disc. Use steel flywheels in heavier drag race cars or for the best driveability in street driven vehicles.
The choice for most all out competition vehicles, RAM billet aluminum flywheels are CNC machined from certified materials and exceed SFI standards. A key feature of a RAM aluminum flywheel is the ¼ inch steel friction insert. A well tuned competition clutch system has a predetermined amount of slippage at launch and on the gear changes. The flywheel insert must have enough mass to absorb the heat generated by slippage without distortion; ensuring maximum clutch life and consistent performance. Thinner inserts can warp and lift causing uneven engagement across the clutch disc. The thicker insert remains flatter and dissipates the heat better. Each flywheel is precision ground after the steel insert is installed to ensure the friction surface is parallel with the crankshaft flange for minimum runout and to provide the optimum mating surface for your choice of clutch disc.