The 100S was running 142 MPH in 1955. Just a matter of horsepower and
gearing.
Bill Lawrence
On 4/26/05 10:55 AM, "davidwjones" <davidwjones@cox.net> wrote:
> 150???? I'm not doubting your facts at all. I just find it surprising. Many
> years ago, I got my (stock) car up to where it topped out, on a very long
> straight away.... As best I could figure, slightly down hill, it was just a
> bit over 110 mph. At that speed, the front end was extremely light, and
> exhibited a lot of skate. I don't recall taking it above 80 mph since. I just
> figured the shape of the 3000 front end was piling a lot of air under the car
> at those speeds.
>
> David W. Jones
> '62 Mk II BT7 tricarb
> Cumberland, RI USA
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Chris Dimmock
> To: James Lea
> Cc: healeys@autox.team.net
> Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2005 9:30 AM
> Subject: Re: SHE"S GOT LEGS>>>
>
>
> Hi James
>
> How hard you push your car is your personal decision. I was really just
> trying to point out that 'top speed' in our road going cars is generally a
> function of maximum rpm and gearing (diff/ overdrive and wheel diameter).
> Maximum top speed (for most mortals**) gets simplified into the diff ratio -
> how hard you can rev the engine - and how long the road is.
>
> My car makes less horse power at 6,000 rpm than it does at 5,500 rpm - but
> then again - if you're already in overdrive top at 5,900 - you don't have
> any more gears to change up into - and if you haven't run out of road
> yet......
>
> The key things about the C series 6 cyl engine is that there are two bad
> harmonics - someone may remember the numbers better that me - a minor at
> just under 6,200rpm - and a serious one at around 6.400 rpm or thereabouts.
> Don't go there. Or if you do - don't stay there.
>
> I usually change gear at around 5,500 - 5,800 on the track. Depending on
> whats going on - probably 3,000 - 5,000 on the road.
>
> My engine specs are here: http://www.myaustinhealey.com/dyno_sheet.html
>
> I was really trying to say that the diff ratio x max rpm does makes the
> maximum top speed difference - and a major change in one or the other will
> dramtically affect your top speed. Probably the best example of this was at
> Bathurst 1998, on Conrod straight. Denis Welch was pulling over 7,800rpm in
> overdrive top down Conrod straight - and he had (from memory) a 4.1:1 or a
> 4.3:1 diff ratio. That is getting pretty close to a 150 mph Healey 3000.
>
> Best
>
> Chris Dimmock
> www.myautinhealey.com
>
> **I'm not a terminal velocity enthusiast - but Keith Turk on this list is -
> and I'm sure he can explain more about the function of aerodynamics,
> friction, and drag once you get past talking about production based cars on
> roads!.
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "James Lea" <clocks@midcoast.com>
> To: "Chris Dimmock" <cd3000@bigpond.net.au>; "Dave & Marlene"
> <rusd@velocitus.net>; "WILLIAM B LAWRENCE" <ynotink@msn.com>
> Cc: <healeys@autox.team.net>
> Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2005 4:28 AM
> Subject: Re: SHE"S GOT LEGS>>>
>
>
>> Chris. Wow!! I guess I am a bigger chicken than I thought. I don't think
> I
>> have ever had the engine over 3500 and that is rare. Even thought it is
>> completely rebuilt I get nervous when the engine revs get over 3000. I am
>> I
>> just being too careful? How far can I push it safely on the expressway
> for
>> long periods of ? Thanks, JL
>>
>> James Lea
>> 2 West St
>> PO Box 25
>> Rockport Me.
>> 04856
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