In a message dated 98-07-24 22:22:29 EDT, Gbouff@aol.com writes:
<< There were also some MGTC and other misc english parts in the tub along
with two long dead possums, just to confuse a newbie like myself. >>
Ahem;
Those were not just ordinary dead possums. I have it on good authority that
possums were widely used by US importers of the MG TC to increase the torque
of the lightly powered TC. If you took the time to carefully inspect the
carcases you would find that one was a male and one was a female. They were
attached to the fan belt with the male behind the female. As the male
vigorously tried to run to catch the female he would increase the torque of
the TC engine by about 22%. The pair was selected so the the male was a
particularly ugly possum so that the female would not succumb to his advances,
but rather would try to run away, further adding to the torque of the TC
engine by about 18%. As you could see, these "Possum Prepared" TC engines
were a significant advance in power and they did particularly well in hill
climbs. I actually saw one run at the Reading PA hillclimb in 1976. The TC
was running extremely well until the male lost its footing and tangled into
the fan belt, resulting in not only a loss of power but a terrible smell as
well.
The lifespan of a possum is only about 3 years and the exertion they
experienced on the TC engine shortened that by about 7 months. After they
expired they were skinned out and the hide was used to cover the tonneau
capping rail in fine possum leather. (after it was deoderized, of course)
You ought to post their availibility on the MG list, some restorer of a moldy
TC might be interested.
Bob Paul
Corrales NM
(Lots of skunks but no possums)
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