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Transmission Losses

To: land-speed@autox.team.net
Subject: Transmission Losses
From: ardunbill@webtv.net
Date: Sat, 8 May 1999 12:25:43 -0400 (EDT)
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.


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