03-04-2018, 04:12 PM
(03-04-2018, 01:20 PM)Hedd_Jones Wrote: With respect to axle ratios etc. I have a mechanically standard short wheelbase box saloon. 4.9 axle. I also have (or rather daughter has) a RP with a 5.25 axle, but a late head, otherwise standard mechanically. Both cars have bosch dizzys.
There are hills (and I mean hills) in my native North wales where the short wheelbase car will not go up when well loaded, yet the RP surmounts fairly easily in 1st.
When father was about to drive the RP, they were well matched on the open road, the RP would climb longer in top, but I'd be up his arse screaming up in 2nd (both have phoenix cranks). Father wouldn't do the speed I did down hill, presumably as his engine was reving just that bit harder. Yet whichever car was in front neither car would build any great lead. The RP is however 2/3 quieter inside with its later 4 speed box. Now the wife is in charge of the RP she holds me up something rotten, but her austin driving skills are not as well developed.
I guess Austins improved the engine as the weight it lugged about increased, maintaining to a degree the performance at an even keel. The late engines in the 3 bearing cars therefore being the 'best' if properly built. Father used to rave about his 1939 Ruby (long since sold).
with respect to down changes from 4th to 3rd. Easy. Ball of your foot on the brake, little pinky on the throttle, throttle off, brake, clutch in, into neutral as you come off throttle (clutch not necessarily required), a good blip on the throttle using your pinky pivoting your foot on the brake, clutch in, a good prod into third and away you go. If it doesnt work you need to match the revs better (or put thinner oil in the gearbox)
Yes, with respect to the OP's question my first thought was whether he's using the right oil...