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Re: Max speed for an SL2

To: autox@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Max speed for an SL2
From: Jester097@aol.com
Date: Sat, 4 Nov 2000 16:37:18 EST
All saturns, all years have the same gear ratios for the same engine (i.e 
DOHC and SOHC have different gearing but its always been the same).  No 
differences b/t 2 and 4 doors.  However there's a few old custom-geared 
transmissions from the (not driving saturns anymore) ICY racing team, they 
run the SCCA World Challenge series.  They drive bimmers now. 

-ryan92SC


In a message dated 11/4/00 12:26:16 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
owner-ax-digest@autox.team.net writes:

<< 
 Date: Fri, 03 Nov 2000 16:45:54 -0800
 From: Ian McCloghrie <ian@codrus.com>
 Subject: Re: Max speed for an SL2 
 
 On Nov 3, 2000 Loren Williams wrote:
 > That's with an older SC2 and just me in the car (170 lbs).  It could be
 > that the inherent extra weight of the SL2 (100 lbs?) and your own weight
 > might be enough to limit the top speed.  Aerodynamic drag could have
 > something to do with it.  Having (or not having) a fairly open intake and
 > exhaust could have something to do with it.
 
 Weight doesn't affect top speed, that's entirely dictated by aerodynamics
 and the motor (well, and gearing).  The wind creates drag, a force pushing
 backwards on the car, the motor produces torque, a force pushing forwards
 on the car (via the drive wheels).  When the two are equal, you're at
 top speed.  Weight (or more properly, mass) affects how quickly the car
 gets to the that speed (F=MA), but not where the top speed lies.
 
 Do the older and new Saturns have the same gear ratios?  If not, that
 could well explain it.  
 
 - --Ian

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