I have been comparing some data for flywheel hp from a stock 12A ex factory with dyno results for rear wheel hp of several gen1s. These results show an average loss of 19%. While taking into account variations due to different conditions and dynos, would the same % apply to modified engines or does it decrease in relative terms with hp?

For the statistically minded the curve of the rwhp results was really skewed. A well tuned engine only had slightly more power, but once it was out of tune or worn there was a real loss of power.

 

Hey

My butt data readings say that with my RB flywheel on and new RB clutch......I have lots more HP to the rear......

Engine Revs up much faster.....without the smog....dont seem to have the drag either........

It was a night and day difference.......I can chirp it all the way up..........

Paper data is data.........My SE is alive..........

Cheers

 

A lighter flywheel will allow you to accelerate quickly but bring other disadvantages specific to a rotary which is why Mazda made it so heavy in the first place. Neither mod will not increase peak hp.

 

would a lighter flywheel reduce driveline loss?

 

a rule of thumb i tell people is 15-20% loss from the flywheel to the wheels on any car... automatics use a little more man. use a little less.

 

a light fly reduces the "rotating mass" so it basicly makes the moving parts of the motor weight less so they can responde MUCH faster to the action on the go pedal... when i put 1 on my 12a i was like holey crap it rev's like a turbo so from what i know you wont see any hp gains but the motor revs and decels much faster so it seems like its got more power

 

there are two reasons for the stock heavy flywheel. Eirst it makes the engine smoother on a 2 roti\or engine. This is certainly noticeable at low revs so you have to use higher revs and a lower gear. second, it helps with torque and improves gerar changing.

The RB flywheel you have is a good performance compromise between stock and an aluminium race flywheel. however it has no impact on peak power. Thus adding 16% to your rwhp gives an approximate figure for your fwhp.

 

My take on the issue:
Stock flywheels are heavy primarily because the counterweight is built in. A heavier flywheel will help reduce some engine vibrations, but there could be a good drop in weight before it's noticable, IMO.
Think about it like this, if the rotary engine is so smooth, why do you need a heavy *** flywheel to remove engine vibration?
A heavy flywheel also releases energy more slowly than a lighter one, so you'll notice more engine braking, especially at higher RPM. I call it faster RPM falloff. Balancing the car in corners with the throttle is easier. I think so, anyways.
It's worth mentioning again that lightening the flywheel helps neither HP nor torque. The differences you notice come from the lightening of the drivetrain. It's the same effect you would notice if you lighten your car.
BTW, I got a chromoly flywheel for my Z31. I like it.