In a message dated 1/12/02 8:56:58 PM Pacific Standard Time, shaws@mlcltd.com
writes:
> >With your recommendation, you have a car with less performance than a stock
> >MGA. With all due respect, that is NOT a direction in which I am interested
> >in heading!
> >
> >Bill
>
> Bill, That is NOT TRUE. The modifications I have done to my car make
>
That's not the point. By using the lower diff ratio, the car is slower
through the gears than it would be with the regular ratio. The fact that you
may have tuned it is irrelevant.
If you are saying that it is fast enough for you, that's very nice for you -
but it would be a quicker accelerating car if it had a lower ratio.
If you are worried about first gear being too low ( about which I would
disagree) you can always fit a close ratio gear set. The admittedly low 1st
gear is perfectly acceptable with a 4.3 diff ratio, even with a tuned MGB
engine, though I would agree that for any sort of spirited driving not
involving a lot of stop and go, the CR set is much nicer, and MUCH faster,
given a 4.55 diff.
Your assertion that using a 4.3 instead of a 3.9 diff "makes a slower car
that is not able to optimally use the additional power present in the 1800
engine" is specious.
If, as you imply, you have traction problems with a 4.3 diff, the answer lies
not in fitting a 'longer' ratio than the MGA, or indeed than an MGB, came
with (given the 15" wheel size of the 'A'), but in giving attention to
methods of improving the traction.
I base this on my experience using tuned MGB engines with twin 1 3/4" SUs, a
supercharger, an HRG head with SUs, and the same head with twin Webers, all
on the street, with a variety of diff ratios from 3.9 to 4.88, and wheels
from 13" to 15", all on the street. All of which is confirmed by my racing
experience.
You indicate a preference for the all synchro transmission (I prefer the
feel, and the CR ratios of the early box, but can understand those who like
the later one - I use both). The comments would be essentially the same for
that box, although the ratios vary from the early box slightly.
Bill
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