Responding to the recent chat about losing 100 HP between the engine and
drive wheels. That's a lot to lose.
It's not a new idea, I gather it's been done for decades at Bonneville,
but why not use an inexpensive three or four-speed gearbox with
everything removed but what makes up top gear and neutral. Reverse
parts removed and locked out permanently. A light oil such as 5W-30
inside just to lube the bearings(which are lightly loaded as they just
pass-through the torque). Push-start the car up to 50 or 60 mph in top
gear and let it motor away on up to its top speed. A heavy steel
flywheel to assist things. No shifting for the driver to bother about.
Question is whether the car would reach top speed in a mile this way at
Maxton, and weight vs torque would determine that.
Re the rear axle, what about 75W-90 oil to reduce the viscosity drag?
In a short sprint like this, would any harm come to the R & P and
bearings?
If the 25% loss cited was cut in half, that would still be 50 HP in the
original example.
|