[Healeys] 3.5 Rearend (was Re: On the Road Home from Conclave (Day 4))

[Ronald A. Fine]

In my experience, It doesn't really work to try to start in 2nd. gear with the 3.5 rearend installed.  It is definitely different from the 3.9 rearend in that regard.
Ron

>
>This subject does however lead me to comment on one aspect of the taller
>rear gearing that we have not discussed and I would appreciate comments on.
>Knowing that gearboxes are considerably more expensive to replace than
>clutches I always instructed my Healey customers to develop the habit of
>starting out from a stop on level surfaces in 2nd gear. Once mastered this
>is actually an easier way to drive a Big Healey and as mentioned is much
>easier on the gearbox.
>However I have not tried this driving style on a car fitted with a 3.54 : 1
>diff and am interested to know if others have.
>
>Michael Salter