Cross drilled flywheel

[Schnot]

I had an idea when I had my flywheel cut the other day. Would cross drilling the flywheel be a viable option? It's basically a brake rotor so I think it would work. I'd have it machined and balanced and not just do it on my drill press.

They are available for tuner cars but didn't see any for oil burners. (probably for a good reason) but figured I'd ask anyway.

I do realize that it turns a lot faster and it subjected to a lot more torque than a tuner car though.


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[SuperCrutyPS]

Interesting concept. Hadn't thought of it.

I'm wondering if the flywheel would have to be thicker to compensate for the higher amounts of torque. If a standard one was cross-drilled, would it weaken it so it couldn't handle the torque we generate? Just thinking out loud - Don't know the engineering behind it.

[Schnot]

It'll probably wear the clutch faster but it would probably come down in weight a few pounds if done right.


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[NoRalPh]

It seems, to me, to be at cross-purposes though.....

The reason a brake rotor is drilled (contrary to common belief) has not to do with cooling but rather to "vent" gases that are produced, and work against the pad to force it away from the rotors surface, during heavy braking.

The reason a flywheel is lightened is to allow, on a light vehicle, the engine to rev faster, into the power-band, for better acceleration and maybe launch.

Doesn't make any sense to me to do this to a, heavy, diesel truck

[Schnot]

^^ good point.


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[85_305]

Originally Posted by NoRalPh

Doesn't make any sense to me to do this to a, heavy, diesel truck

I agree. These big motors need the momentum of the flywheel in between shifts. These aren't dinky, 4cylinder 8,000rpm reving, aluminum block having cars... they are heavy duty iron trucks.