David, it sounds like a great idea for a long term solution for a strong
trans. I think a 3 speed would be more than adequate and with no reverser for
safety. There should be a ton of these used out there since the top fuel guys
only use clutches these days.
John Backus
----- Original Message -----
From: David Freiburger
Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2001 6:25 PM
To: land-speed@autox.team.net
Subject: The scoop on Lenco
This is a bit long, so delete it if you don't care about Lenco transmissions.
Thanks to everyone who responded to my pleas for info on the use of a Lenco
trans for LSR. I've spoken several times to Gary Sumek, owner of Lenco, and
here are some tidbits to chew on:
- The street Lenco (adequate for 1000-plus hp at Bonneville) is available with
modules of 1.25:1, 1.31:1, 1.38:1, 1.44:1, and 1.48:1. By stacking modules you
get the ratios you want--for example, a three-speed uses two modules. If you
chose a 1.38 and a 1.48, your ratios would be First, 2.04 (1.38x1.48);
Second, 1.38 or 1.48 depending on which lever you chose to pull first, and
Third of 1.0:1. You can stack as many modules as need to make a five-speed,
six-speed, or whatever.
- The Lenco uses planetary gearsets that are manually engaged with an
individual shift lever per gear. Shifts are made without disengaging the
clutch. By pulling the handles in a different order, you can adjust your gear
splits depending on your engine or track needs.
- There is no pump, like an automatic has, so they don't suck as much power as
an automatic. Horsepower draw depends on how many units you stack up. With a
five-speed Lenco, there would be more power loss than with a conventional
five-speed but less than with an automatic.
- There has been some talk about how the Lenco's quick shifting would cause
traction loss on the salt. In fact, the shift rate can be adjusted using the
shift-tower pressure. You can also pull the handles slowly rather than quickly
to slip the planetary clutches a bit.
- Some guys said a Lenco runs too hot. Lenco says they have a few cars that
have driven cross-country with their transmission and no cooler. If it's that
much of a concern, you can plumb the Lenco fluid through an electric pump and
a cooler.
So, in all, I'm still not convinced this is a totally bad idea. How about all
of you?
DF
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