Aftermarket Flywheels - Lightened and Balanced

Flywheels: Explained

At Compare.Parts, we understand the importance of every component in your vehicle, especially when it comes to performance. One such critical component is the flywheel. This seemingly simple part plays a crucial role in your car’s engine, contributing significantly to its performance and efficiency. In this guide, we’ll delve into the world of flywheels, exploring their function, benefits, and the various types available on the market.

What is a Flywheel?

A flywheel is a mechanical device specifically designed to efficiently store rotational energy. It connects to the engine’s crankshaft, and its primary function is to maintain consistent engine speed by controlling the momentum. The flywheel also aids in reducing vibrations and ensuring smooth operation of the engine.

Why is a Flywheel Important?

The importance of a flywheel cannot be overstated. Here are some key reasons why:

Energy Storage: Flywheels store energy during the power stroke and release it during the other strokes, ensuring a smooth and continuous power delivery.
Vibration Reduction: They help reduce vibrations and noise in the engine, leading to a smoother and quieter ride.
Improved Gear Shifting: In manual transmissions, the flywheel assists in the gear shifting process, making it smoother and more efficient.

Types of Flywheels

There are various types of flywheels available, each designed to meet specific performance needs. The two main types are:

Single Mass Flywheels (SMF): These are the traditional type of flywheels, made from a single piece of metal. They are durable and provide excellent performance, but can be noisier and cause more vibrations.
Dual Mass Flywheels (DMF): These are modern flywheels, consisting of two metal parts separated by a spring mechanism. They are quieter and cause less vibration, but are more complex and can be more expensive to replace.

Choosing the Right Flywheel

Choosing the right flywheel for your vehicle depends on various factors, including your car’s make and model, your driving style, and your performance needs. At Compare.Parts, we offer a wide range of flywheels from top manufacturers, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your vehicle.

Installation and Maintenance

Installing a new flywheel can be a complex process and requires professional expertise. Regular maintenance, including inspection and cleaning, can help prolong the life of your flywheel and ensure optimal performance.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a car enthusiast looking to enhance your vehicle’s performance or a novice just getting started, understanding the role and importance of a flywheel is crucial. At Compare.Parts, we’re committed to providing you with the best quality parts and the knowledge to make informed decisions. Explore our range of flywheels today and take your vehicle’s performance to the next level.

Frequently Asked Questions about Flywheels

What are the cons of camming your car?

Camming your car can enhance performance, but it also comes with several drawbacks:

Increased Engine Wear: A camshaft can put additional stress on engine components, leading to faster wear and potential failure.
Reduced Fuel Efficiency: Performance cams often result in lower fuel economy due to altered air-fuel mixtures.
Compromised Driveability: Cams can affect low-end torque, making the car less responsive at lower RPMs.
Noise Levels: Performance cams can increase engine noise, which may not be desirable for all drivers.
Potential Emissions Issues: Altered engine performance can lead to higher emissions, potentially causing issues with regulations.
Cost of Installation: Upgrading to a performance camshaft can be expensive, including parts and labour.
Compatibility Issues: Not all engines are compatible with aftermarket cams, which can limit options.

Do camshafts change engine sound?

Yes, camshafts can change the engine sound. The design and specifications of a camshaft influence the timing and duration of valve openings, which affects the engine's performance and acoustics. Factors that contribute to changes in engine sound include:

Lift and Duration: Higher lift and longer duration can create a more aggressive sound.
Profile: Different camshaft profiles can alter the exhaust note.
Engine RPM: Camshafts designed for higher RPMs may produce a different sound compared to those for lower RPMs.
Engine Type: The overall engine configuration (e.g., V8, inline) also affects how camshaft changes impact sound.

Why do cammed cars sound choppy?

Cammed cars sound choppy primarily due to the characteristics of the camshaft profile. Here are the main reasons:

Lift and Duration: A camshaft with higher lift and longer duration allows more air and fuel into the engine, creating a more aggressive sound.
Overlap: Increased overlap between the intake and exhaust valves can lead to a rougher idle, contributing to the choppy sound.
Idle Speed: Cams designed for performance often require a higher idle speed, which can accentuate the choppy noise.
Exhaust Note: The changes in exhaust flow dynamics due to the cam profile can alter the exhaust note, making it sound more aggressive and choppy.

Does camshaft affect acceleration?

Yes, the camshaft does affect acceleration. The camshaft controls the timing and duration of the engine's valve openings, which directly influences engine performance. Key factors include:

Valve Timing: Proper timing allows for optimal air-fuel mixture intake and exhaust gas expulsion, enhancing engine efficiency.
Lift and Duration: Higher lift and longer duration can improve power output at higher RPMs, which can lead to better acceleration.
Engine Tuning: A camshaft designed for performance can shift the power band, affecting how quickly the engine accelerates.

In summary, the design and specifications of the camshaft play a crucial role in determining how effectively an engine can accelerate.

Does camming a car make it louder?

Camming a car typically involves installing a performance camshaft, which can indeed make the engine louder. This increase in noise is due to several factors:

Increased Airflow: A performance camshaft allows for greater airflow into and out of the engine, which can enhance the exhaust note.
Higher RPMs: Cams designed for performance often operate at higher RPMs, producing a more aggressive sound.
Exhaust System Interaction: The camshaft can change the way exhaust gases exit the engine, potentially amplifying the sound through the exhaust system.

Overall, while camming a car can lead to a louder engine sound, the extent of the increase will depend on the specific camshaft used and the overall setup of the vehicle.

How much does it cost to replace a camshaft?

The cost to replace a camshaft can vary significantly based on several factors, including the make and model of the vehicle, labour costs, and whether you choose an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part or an aftermarket part. Typical costs include:

Parts: £200 to £1,000
Labour: £300 to £800

Overall, the total cost for camshaft replacement can range from approximately £500 to £1,800. Always consult with a mechanic for a precise estimate based on your specific vehicle.

Do camshafts increase horsepower?

Yes, camshafts can increase horsepower. They play a crucial role in controlling the timing and duration of the engine's intake and exhaust valves. Upgrading to a performance camshaft can enhance airflow, improve engine efficiency, and increase power output. Benefits of a performance camshaft include:

Improved airflow into and out of the engine
Increased torque and horsepower at higher RPMs
Better throttle response
Optimised engine performance for specific driving conditions

However, the extent of the horsepower increase depends on various factors, including the engine type, other modifications, and tuning.

What does a higher lift camshaft do?

A higher lift camshaft increases the amount of valve lift, allowing the engine to draw in more air and fuel during the intake stroke. This can lead to improved engine performance in several ways:

Increased Airflow: More air entering the combustion chamber can enhance combustion efficiency.
Higher Power Output: With better airflow, the engine can produce more power, especially at higher RPMs.
Improved Torque: A higher lift can also contribute to increased torque, particularly in performance applications.
Enhanced Throttle Response: The engine may respond more quickly to throttle inputs due to improved airflow dynamics.

However, it is important to consider that a higher lift camshaft may require additional modifications to the engine, such as upgraded valve springs and potentially changes to the engine's tuning.

What makes a cam aggressive?

An aggressive camshaft is characterised by several key features that enhance engine performance. These include:

Increased Lift: Higher lift allows the engine to draw in more air and fuel, improving combustion efficiency.
Longer Duration: A longer duration keeps the intake and exhaust valves open for a greater portion of the engine cycle, allowing for better airflow.
Steeper Ramp Rates: Faster opening and closing of the valves can lead to more power at higher RPMs.
Overlap: Increased overlap between the intake and exhaust valves can enhance performance by improving scavenging of exhaust gases.
Profile Shape: The specific shape of the cam lobes can influence how the engine responds at different RPMs, with aggressive profiles typically favouring high RPM performance.

These characteristics contribute to a camshaft that provides more power and responsiveness, particularly in performance-oriented applications.

What is the difference between cam lift and cam duration?

Cam lift and cam duration are two important specifications in an engine's camshaft design that affect engine performance.

Cam Lift: This refers to the maximum height that the cam lobe pushes the valve open. It is measured in millimetres and determines how much air and fuel can enter the combustion chamber. Greater lift can improve engine performance by allowing more airflow.
Cam Duration: This is the length of time, measured in degrees of crankshaft rotation, that the valve remains open during the engine cycle. It affects the timing of the valve opening and closing, influencing engine power and efficiency at different RPMs.

In summary, cam lift affects the volume of air and fuel entering the engine, while cam duration influences the timing of the valve operation.

Flywheels