Hi Andy,
I share a lot of your thoughts. Some folks envy us here in New England
because of the many miles of good country motoring with twisting roads passing
through some of God's best scenery. Perfect for 40-45 mph TD-ing. However,
getting there can mean a trip on the Interstate and that's where we differ.
Cruising at 55 is dangerous on most of the major roads, even here in what Road &
Track once called "the slow corner" of the country. It's not quite as bad if
you're in a convoy of lbc's. I find it significantly safer being able to
cruise at 60 with occassional stretches at 65, if necessary. There's something
about the 85-percentile speed. BTW, even with the 4.30 I still find myself
reaching for that elusive 5th gear. I think it's an automatic reaction dictated
by our ears.
Bud
Andrew Moyce wrote:
> In the few years I've been following this list, rear end ratios and
> highway speeds has probably been the most talked about topic.
> Comments seem to fall into two schools... one (either large or
> particluarly vocal) group that favors tall rear end ratios and high
> highway speeds, and the other group (to which I belong) which sees
> highway travel as a necessary evil. I'm most comfortable in my car on
> a winding country road traveling 40 miles an hour. When a freeway run
> is unavoidable, 55 miles in the right lane (which is under 3500 rpm
> with my T. F. rear end) is tolerable, and in my rationalization,
> reasonably safe. I keep plenty of distance from the car in front of
> me, and ignore the temptation to compete with modern cars at modern
> speeds. I have another car for that, and if I'm really in a hurry
> that's what I'll use.
> I drive a TD with a rebuilt and somewhat modified engine. The car is
> at peace with itself with the current rear end ratio. I do sometimes
> find myself reaching for fifth gear, but I think that is conditioning
> from my everyday car.
>
> Andy Moyce
> 52 TD
--
Bud Krueger
http://home.ici.net/~bkrueger/
52TD
77MGB
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