Erik wrote:
>As Rod Bean, Mike Braun, and others have pointed out, the Ford three-rail
>4 speed (especially in close ratio form) sets such a high standard that
>it
>is not easy at all to come up with 5 speed candidates that would provide an
>improvement, overall. In particular, the combination of compactness, good
>ratios, solid design, and extremely direct shifting feel of the Ford
>three-rail gearbox, make it a really tough act to follow!
Just to clarify, I do prefer the original cr transmissions and the lack of an
overdrive gear does not bother me but....
I understand completely others' desire for the ability to cruise at a lower rpm
and have been following the very interesting discussions on chapman-era which
address several options.
Personally, for one of my own cars, I would have a lot of heartburn about
modifying a stock (particularly, a S1 or S2) Elan beyond return. But if it
could be returned to stock anytime, I'd modify away for any purpose I felt was
worthy (and have done, on occasion).
Hearing that someone made an electric car out of a Chapman Lotus would give me
heartburn squared. Years ago, as I've mentioned a while back, there was an Elan
drag car with a Chevy installed. Also, someone completely destroyed an Elan by
preparing and running it as an off-road rally car. =8-0
On the other hand, an owner is just that and can do whatever he wants with his
possession. I just try not to think of some of the more outlandish
possibilities. :-(
Rod
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