Lightening and balancing

[rt172]

Ive heard this term used a lot, but just realised that I have no idea what is actually involved. Can anyone enlighten me?

 

[Ben j]

is it worth doing on an engine thats already high revving? how much would it achieve?

 

[BenR]

rotating and reciprocating masses taken out of engine, material taken off to lighten and even up weight distribution. Slapped on a dynamic balancer (not the old roll on a smooth suface thing from the 60s) and set to reduce inertia, centre mass location and just generally help increase smoothness of the engine.

It doesnt increase power at all, but you can benefit from it.

 

[BenR]

it worth it if you are serious and spend alot of time up there or plan to rev a fair bit higher than std lmits allow.

 

[jabba]

if you intend to tune the engine up properly (eg not just zorst and IK) then a balanced engine is a huge benifit.

a poorly balanced engine will tear itself to pieces eventually as more stress is put on it, whereas a properly lightened and balanced one will take longer

it does not increase power but it will run smoother, a reason jap cars are generally more reliable is that their engines are manufactured to better tolerences (better matched/balanced engines)

 

[Ben j]

Quote: Originally posted by BenR on 27 August 2003


rotating and reciprocating masses taken out of engine, material taken off to lighten and even up weight distribution. Slapped on a dynamic balancer (not the old roll on a smooth suface thing from the 60s) and set to reduce inertia, centre mass location and just generally help increase smoothness of the engine.

It doesnt increase power at all, but you can benefit from it.





damn u beat me to it!

 

[Frosty]

If you are intending serious modifications and dont lighten and balance, its like building a house on really poor foundations.

It doesnt matter how nice your en-suite bathroom is (how big your exhaust is), what colour your wallpaper is (how much boost your running), the house will start to subside (your engine will blow up).

 

[Ben j]

so ure sayin i cant have a shower tonite?

 

[BenR]

Quote: Originally posted by Frosty on 28 August 2003


If you are intending serious modifications and dont lighten and balance, its like building a house on really poor foundations.

It doesnt matter how nice your en-suite bathroom is (how big your exhaust is), what colour your wallpaper is (how much boost your running), the house will start to subside (your engine will blow up).





Clarkson wouldnt happen to be one of your idols would he?

 

[visceral]

ROFLMAO!

 

[Frosty]

I thought it was a good metaphor myself