Effect of lighter flywheel on feul economy?
02-11-2002, 01:58 PM
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Effect of lighter flywheel on feul economy?
I just ordered a CM 7.5lb flywheel.
Had to change the clutch, might as well do the mod now and save on labour.
I got to thinking as to how the lighter flywheel would affect my fuel economy. At first I thought it would improve. then I couldn't really say. Here is what I can think of:
Case for improved fuel economy
1-Less rotating mass for the engine to turn while engine reving up. Less work = less fuel consumtion.
Case for reduced fuel economy
1-The energy for the engine to sustain cycles is reduced . It would have less rotating mass memory to store mid-combustion cylce energy to keep turning momentum constant and fluid. If it looses too much in the intermitent stages it will oscillate very minutely between loosing momentum and gaining it back after detonation. The peaks and valleys of the oscillation momentum are magnified as the weight of the flywheel (and therefore the amount of momentum energy) is reduced causing the general cycles to be more rough and more energy consuming! This would be most predominant when reving down and idling.
2-Becuase the revs fall much more quickly, if shifting time is not reduced, the revs have to be either maintained or allowed to drop with a subsequent blimping of the throttle to bring them back up to match the desired revs for the gear. The quick drop+climb in revs is wasteful where energy conservation is concerned...This can be avoided with quicker shifting of course!
That is what I can shoot out in terms of outta my *** theory!... .No scientific evidence.. just wondering if anyone has any real-world knowledge/actual fuel economy numbers or in general, any other theory!
Had to change the clutch, might as well do the mod now and save on labour.
I got to thinking as to how the lighter flywheel would affect my fuel economy. At first I thought it would improve. then I couldn't really say. Here is what I can think of:
Case for improved fuel economy
1-Less rotating mass for the engine to turn while engine reving up. Less work = less fuel consumtion.
Case for reduced fuel economy
1-The energy for the engine to sustain cycles is reduced . It would have less rotating mass memory to store mid-combustion cylce energy to keep turning momentum constant and fluid. If it looses too much in the intermitent stages it will oscillate very minutely between loosing momentum and gaining it back after detonation. The peaks and valleys of the oscillation momentum are magnified as the weight of the flywheel (and therefore the amount of momentum energy) is reduced causing the general cycles to be more rough and more energy consuming! This would be most predominant when reving down and idling.
2-Becuase the revs fall much more quickly, if shifting time is not reduced, the revs have to be either maintained or allowed to drop with a subsequent blimping of the throttle to bring them back up to match the desired revs for the gear. The quick drop+climb in revs is wasteful where energy conservation is concerned...This can be avoided with quicker shifting of course!
That is what I can shoot out in terms of outta my *** theory!... .No scientific evidence.. just wondering if anyone has any real-world knowledge/actual fuel economy numbers or in general, any other theory!
02-11-2002, 02:06 PM
#2
Re: Effect of lighter flywheel on feul economy? (B18C)
i think you have too much time to think about silly stuff like this. try thinking about something that will make the world a better place! 
02-11-2002, 02:22 PM
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Re: Effect of lighter flywheel on feul economy? (FuknGSR)
Whats so silly about better gas milage? Wouldnt you rather use that saved money elsewhere? Or do you like throwing money away?
As for a real reply, I'll give you one when I get home from work. i got a few good points
As for a real reply, I'll give you one when I get home from work. i got a few good points
02-11-2002, 02:30 PM
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Re: Effect of lighter flywheel on feul economy? (civicdragon)
Maybe it will give you an extra 10 miles per tank, maybe. Let's say that you get 20mpg. The average gas price is $1.43 for super. Let's also assume that you get a tank of gas once a week.
At the end you just saved $37 for the year what are you going to buy?
At the end you just saved $37 for the year what are you going to buy?
02-11-2002, 02:43 PM
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Re: Effect of lighter flywheel on feul economy? (matthewk)
it will suck down more gas.
it will most likely be a neglidgable ammount. like 10 miles less per tank.
it will most likely be a neglidgable ammount. like 10 miles less per tank.
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02-11-2002, 05:04 PM
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Re: Effect of lighter flywheel on feul economy? (matthewk)
Maybe it will give you an extra 10 miles per tank, maybe. Let's say that you get 20mpg. The average gas price is $1.43 for super. Let's also assume that you get a tank of gas once a week.
At the end you just saved $37 for the year what are you going to buy?
At the end you just saved $37 for the year what are you going to buy?
02-11-2002, 05:10 PM
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Re: Effect of lighter flywheel on feul economy? (ImprtTunr)
Maybe it will give you an extra 10 miles per tank, maybe. Let's say that you get 20mpg. The average gas price is $1.43 for super. Let's also assume that you get a tank of gas once a week.
At the end you just saved $37 for the year what are you going to buy?
Hahahahahaha, ohhh man, thats pretty good.
At the end you just saved $37 for the year what are you going to buy?
Hahahahahaha, ohhh man, thats pretty good.
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