RE> The Jensen Lives!!
> Sometime ago I started asking for help on a JH engine rebuild.
> I got some general pointers and learned that the engine was
> Lotus built and that I would get more info from the Lotus list.
> Actually they were pretty much in the same boat, no-one admitted
> to rebuilding the 907 series engine......
> Well, after weekends and (short) vacations, between school, work
> and a limited social life, the 907 Lotus engine roared to life May 10th.
Whew! You're a better person than I am! I dread the day when
spouse's Jensen-Healey needs an engine overhaul. I'll do it, but
it's not on the list of things to which I'm looking forward with
eager anticipation.
> A point for the JH as "The Wonderful Car", If you look for the two
> last models, the JH5 and the GT, I think they both have the
> 'overdrive' in their 5-speed trannies. Our Jensen is a 5-speed
> (it's a 74 1/2) and 5th is overdrive. It looks great and is
> reported to out handle the Porsche 911 of the day, skidpad #s
> I believe. Almost reasonably priced, usually less than $3k,
> although I've been told that "the Jensen-Healey is a three
> thousand dollar car with a two thousand dollar engine".
A $3K car with a $2K engine -- a very apt description.
However regarding the overdrive, my understanding is that the
5th gear is still just a 1-1 ratio through the transmission.
The rear axle ratio did go down a little on the 5-speeds, about
seven per cent I think. It's still not like having an overdrive,
but the cars do pretty well on the interstate as they are. I
think they're one of the best values to be found for the money!
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