You know,I'm not trying to argue either. Just trying to provide some current information on the production of torque from an internal combustion engine. But some of the responses recieved were long on opinion and light on fact. I do believe there is a misunderstanding between inertia and torque.
A light flywheel and crankshaft reduce the rotating mass. With less rotating mass less horsepower is required to accelerate the crank and flywheel, this frees up engine power to accelerate the vehicle. A light flywheel reduces inertia of the rotating assembly, it has no impact on torque production. With that said, an engine with a heavy flywheel will start from a dead stop easier and with less throttle applied than one with a light flywheel. Not because of an increase or change in torque, but because of the greater energy stored in the heavier flywheel, ie greater inertia.
I've been doing the car thing everday as a living a passion and a hobby for over 30 years. In college I learned long strokes make torque, exhaust flow follows the kadency theory, (basically it expands and contracts as a spring), and several other theories that have since been proven wrong. For the last 21 plus years I've worked for a major auto manufacturer in a technical position, and I have had to relearn a lot of stuff that was taught wrong 30 yrs ago. I study everyday, whether it be internal engineering memos, SAE documents, other manufacturers technical publications, or coming here or over to the HAMB. I usually just read and learn and rarely respond. When I do respond it is to correct what I feel is misinformation.
I knew the torque subject was touchy, and I probably should have just left it after my original post way back toward the beginning of this thread was dismissed. Maybe it was dismissed because in the eyes of the Stovebolt I'm still just a wrenchfetcher, or maybe I haven't posted here enough to earn any respect. Doesn't matter, I'll keep hanging around, I'll keep learning, and I'll keep posting whenever I feel my input is needed. No hard feelings, just give me some facts.
John
