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

[Bob Spidell]

Same for me (though, at 1-2mph I'll usually drop it into first--slides right in).

I get a little bit of judder in first from a standing start if I'm sloppy on the clutch and throttle.  I attribute this more to the mechanical throttle linkage--mine might not be perfect--than the taller rearend.  If I really pay attention--and finesse the throttle and slip the clutch just a little--I can get a smooth start.

Overall, the 3.54 rearend is essential if you do a lot of highway cruising; probably not as useful if you only drive city streets and gymkhanas (I'm even secretly lusting after a 28% O/D).

bs

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Bob Spidell         San Jose, CA        bspidell at comcast.net
'67 Austin-Healey 3000             '56 Austin-Healey 100M
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 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: "F. Ronald Rader" <f.ronald.rader at gmail.com>
> when i first got my BJ8 I had to start in 3rd. it will do it.
> i only use first if i am at a complete dead stop. at one mile an hour
> second is just fine with the 3.55  and an overdrive tranny.
> ron rader
> 
> On Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 11:07 AM, Michael Salter
> <msalter at precisionsportscar.com> wrote:
> > 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.
> 
> > 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