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Did I miss Randall's empirical test data showing power consumed by both systems? Thought not. Putting a drill on a pump shows nothing. How much is consumed by a 5-speed vs a 4-speed with an added mechanical device? Yeah they still make the Laycock. Sliding pillar front suspension is on a comeback too. Ernie
 
Something is not 'sitting right' with me and the way the last few posts have played out. Here we have a brand new member, one looking to be quite active, already returning to lurker status because of a 'dust up' in opinion. I read the entire post before it was edited and saw absolutely no reason for it to be deleted. There seemed to be two different points of view being explored. Both being backed by what seemed to be sound arguments backed up by valid evidential sources. I do not remember any flames or blatant disrespect. Good arguments yes, but definitely no yelling.

We are supposed to be a friendly forum, welcoming and respectful of new people AND the ideas and opinions that come with them. All while respecting Basil's rules and regs for this wonderful FREE forum that he provides. When one sees the chain of events that transpired here it begins to smack of elitism. A trend that could very well lead to fewer people joining the discussion and possibly leaving the forum as a result. Questions unasked are questions unanswered. None of us know all the answers. We can all continue learning until we stop breathing.

I'll concede the soap box for now.

Disappointed. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/frown.gif
 
Here's a blanket apology to any and all I have offended, especially amcboy.

To amcboy :
Certainly nothing wrong with disagreeing, nor did I mean to suggest that you should delete your post. I deleted mine because *I* felt it was overly inflammatory. And I'm as guilty of hijacking the thread as anyone. Please continue to post with questions or answers whichever come to mind; and I'll do my best to be more reasonable when my opinions don't match yours.

To Charles (the OP) : It's a shame the factory never put the A-type behind a Spitfire motor, as I honestly think you would be happier with that. 6 forward gears with 2 of the 5 shifts being allowed under full power more than makes up for any loss of power to the hydraulic pump, in my opinion. (Actually there are 7 forward gears, but 3rd OD is too close to 4th direct to be much use for acceleration, IMO.)

But as amcboy says, I'm sure you'll have fun no matter which way you go, OD or 5-speed. Either one is a good solution to needing longer legs at speed without giving up off-the-line performance.
 
I cannot read another word without comment.

The value of this Forum is greatly diminished if
members with differing experiences and varying and
at times opposing points of view are reluctant
to espouse for any reason.

That said, I would hope that we can agree to
respectfully disagree. "Respectfully disagree" are
the operative words.

Less than deft mechanic, I am always impressed with
the points of view of each and every member.

Why do I like it here? Because 99 percent of what happens
here is well done with kindness and respect for the
ignorant as well as the sophisticated.

I do beleive that each and every member now and in
the future brings something to be valued.

Let us not be so indignant to think that we are all
that, wherever we fall on the sophistication scale.
Share; discuss; opinionate; laugh; joke; be
merry; be one with the family and be respecful
of others' points of view. When this is done, we
all win.

To each with concern, in the words of the
Budweiser Toad/Frog, whatever: "Let it go, Louie, let it
go," and keep on posting.

Sincerely,
 
"People generally quarrel because they cannot argue." G.K. Chesterton

As noted, it's healthy to have differing opinions. Let's remember that with internet forums we are learning to communicate on a completely different level than what we are used to. (Especially for us oldsters!)

/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/cheers.gif
Mickey
 
Foolish as it may sound, I firmly believe that everyone of us knows something (at least one thing) that no one else knows. And nobody knows everything. That's why I love these Forums.
 
Hello all,

being firmly on the overdrive camp as there is no equal in driving ease and pleasure unless you have a very expensive car with paddle type gear changing.

I believe that the simple reason why the 5 speed (and more) gearboxes are currently used is a simple factor of cost, they are cheaper to build.
By the way Tom, my understanding is hypoid gears were developed to make the gear box quieter. They consume more power than straight cut gears but are no stronger inherently. One modification to competition Minis for instance was a straight cut gear set as they were less power absorbing but they were noisy.

Alec
 
The decision of 4-speed + OD vs. 5-speed should be an individual one evaluating the relative costs, importance of originality and the type of driving anticipated. The difference in power consumed between the two systems is most likely not significant by comparison. Ernie
 
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