Chris,

 

Trying to get the engine running, or setting parameters, without  a prop is just too darn frustrating!

 

With a heavy flywheel it will help absorp the rpm impulses to "smooth" things out. With the light weight automatic flexplate, rpm will bounce all over the place and confuse things.   With a heavy flywheel that "600 rpm" is really 580 to 620 rpm. With the flex plate, who knows!

 

I worked with the folks at Conti doing an early ISAD (integrated starter alternator dampener) function. Basically remove the flywheel and put in a large poly phase motor. Trick was on expansion stroke to absorb energy, on compression is would add energy. This was the dampening function.  Cool part was on the small diesel you turn ISAD off and 'rattle rattle rattle' was heard, flip the switch and engine was smooth as glass!   Huge difference in noise in the vehicle.  Pull up to a stop light and kill the engine. The red light in Germany has a sweep hand so you know "when to start your engine".  With the engine warmed up, push in the clutch and it was 0 to 700 rpm in 200mS.  :)

 

Best one... pulled up along a BMW. Our diesel Ford making a racket. Killed the engine at the red light. Light turned green and we 'jack rabbited' away as the 70kw diesel had a 50kw electric power added. BMW owner was going to get at the next light... repeated it. Really confused that poor BMW driver. :)

 

Tom