> Just a thought on the lockout switch for the Spitfire's OD. One of the
> criticisms of the automags' was that it couldn't be used in 2nd, unlike
> Now, engagement-of-reverse is already detected so as to light a back-up
> light. Why not use it via a relay of some sort to dis-able the OD? That
> way you could have OD in 2nd (and 1st too, if you were so inclined). I
> mean, if you're gonna' go through all the trouble to kludge up something,
> why not make it useful. Plus, this would be easier to do, I would guess.
Ummmm, you may destroy your overdrive unit.
I had the same idea about 6 years ago when I disabled the OD lockout
switch on my Scimitar, which effectively gave me 8 forward gears. I
than wondered why they have this switch, and in the manual in bold letters
it states.
"Do not drive in 1st or 2nd gear with the overdrive engaged. The
torque of the engine may destroy the overdrive unit upon fierce
acceleration"
Now my Scimitar has 150 HP and 180 lbs/ft of torque, which is somewhat
more than a Spitfire, but on the other hand the overdrive unit is meatier
too !!!!
BTW: when I used the OD in 2nd gear, it would engage/disengage more
abruptly than in 3rd & 4th, I guess putting strain on the unit.
Gerry
|