Advantages/Disadvantages Of A Titanium Crankshaft and Camshaft

[bake77]

Several companies have built production cars that use Ti crank shafts most notably Porch. Most can achieve this using heavy coatings. a couple of links https://www.amt-advanced-materials-technology.com/applications/automotive-titanium-engine/, https://www.designnews.com/3dp/porsche-puts-3d-printed-pistons-test/gallery?slide=7, additionally metal 3d printing has opened the possibilities. https://www.3dnatives.com/en/honda-3d-printed-crankshaft-120320205/#! A couple of years ago (pre covid) I was at a convention and was able to hold a generative design 3D printed piston that was in development for racing. It weighed 1-2 oz, just absolutely amazing. The racing team was looking at cutting rotating mass to increase responsiveness of the engine.

 

[displacedtexan]

For anything other than a racing vehicle, it's unnecessary and would hinder performance in a daily driver or expedition vehicle. The closest comparison would be swapping to an aluminum flywheel. It'll rev up quick for spirited runs, but you want weight to help maintain momentum (torque) while cruising. I had an aluminum flywheel on my old 99 Tacoma that I turboed and the swap was night and day difference. She was quick, but starting required more feathering and throttle input. She also could not spin on the 3rd gear shift like it could with the stock flywheel. I eventually went back to the stock flywheel because it was more fun and practical.

Exactly what I was gonna say.

Sled pullers actually sometimes add weight to the crank. Makes it rev slower, but also maintains RPM better.

 

[Nailhead]

Less rotational mass makes a Ti crankshaft sensible in some scenarios, but a Ti cam? With a diameter of, what, 2-3", the rotational benefit would have to be next to unnoticeable.