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13 Feb 2006, 10:22 (Ref:1521647) | #1 | ||
Rookie
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 29
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1916 Maxwell
Not sure I should have done it, but it's too late now. What can you do to make a 1916 Maxwell sidevalve engine go faster without breaking too many VSCC rules. The bore is the same as a Harley SV (3 5/8") and they built enough cars to raise the possibility that some were tweaked and raced - aluminium heads, OHV conversions etc?? Come on guys, 25hp may prove an embarassment.
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13 Feb 2006, 10:32 (Ref:1521655) | #2 | ||
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Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 13,226
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Graham, do cars of this era get modified much from standard? I'd have thought originality was all important here - it is 90 years old! I cannot imagine that its pace on the track would be an embarrassment; its presence would more than compensate for its lack of speed and a real delight for all of us to behold!
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13 Feb 2006, 11:56 (Ref:1521717) | #3 | ||
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Join Date: Oct 2005
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I agree that originality is a good thing and there are certainly cars that should be conserved as found, but what was a mass-produced Laurel & Hardy 4-seater of the Model T ilk is now a rusty (wheel-less) chassis, engine,gearbox and axles.
As such it offers more scope to tinker with than a car than with rare historical pedigree or any potential to restore it to original condition - I do not propose to "drop in an aero engine" or turbocharge it, just find out what was done in period and do likewise. This is a constant debate in the VSCC and beyond, but finding and fettling projects for sports use has as much appeal now as it did in 1916 - thankfully there are still a projects that on balance present a valid opportunity to do so. |
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13 Feb 2006, 14:23 (Ref:1521808) | #4 | ||
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Yes, I take your point, but I wonder how many out there will know much about Maxwell engines, let alone modifying them. Very best of luck anyway! Can anyone help Graham out here?
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13 Feb 2006, 15:57 (Ref:1521856) | #5 | ||
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Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 9,891
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Maxwell!!!
Don't go overboard with it! |
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14 Feb 2006, 15:22 (Ref:1522661) | #6 | |||
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 29
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Quote:
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14 Feb 2006, 21:08 (Ref:1522921) | #7 | |
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 43
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Graham,
You're not as limited as you might think on a SV engine like this. I have had the loan of a Model A trials car (I'm a VSCC member too) which is big bore, long stroke SV (3.3 litres). Very potent it is too. The engine mods on this total a high compression head, SU (ie better) carb with manifold to suit and a pressure fed crank. The latter won't give you noticeably more power, but will probably improve it's durability (or at least reduce time between remetalling!!). The HC head is the easiest way i think. Older engines had poor petrol in period and correspondingly low compression ratios for combatting knock. You could get the ratio higher now without getting anywhere near knocking, but you must be wary of valves hitting the head. A (relatively) thin solid copper gasket can give gains also. If you can get an (eligible) aluminium one, then it's worth a go. A better (perhaps even period) carb is straightforward enough, likewise the manifold. The best part of all of these are that they can be done without even modifying any bolt holes. That'll get you quicker in a straight line. Cornering faster may need well-based tyres on the rear (always a good idea- I presume you also only have 2 wheel brakes?) I see from the VSCC forum you're in need of wheels. Worth bearing in mind at this stage. Hope that helps Paul Last edited by morrisnutter; 14 Feb 2006 at 21:10. Reason: factually inaccurate! |
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16 Feb 2006, 15:53 (Ref:1524402) | #8 | |||
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 29
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The crank is pretty hefty, and pressure fed to the mains at each end with splash in between so I should not need to alter this. The compression is a good point, and may be possible via pistons rather than permanently altering the head metal. If I can find 20" well based rims I am tempted to fit them all round for practicality and safety - Avons SMs are available for this diameter but what do about hubs! I have the remains of wooden wheels but want wires. People appear to make new spline hubs or combine hub and wheel centre which may not be quick change but reduces unsprung weight and complexity, I could also then keep the original grease covers which would be good. Last edited by John Turner; 16 Feb 2006 at 16:15. Reason: Boxed in quote! |
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16 Feb 2006, 16:52 (Ref:1524437) | #9 | |
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Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 238
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I would not go far down the route of modification, the likliehood is that one uprate will lead to a failure further down the train.
The VSCC has a very successful handicap system to balance out the performance of all competitors and that all adds to the charm. You will never be able to compete on equal terms with the likes of the Panhard or Monarch. Look back only a couple of years... a similar side valve machine to yours with a full seven seat body finished second by only 0.65s in the Mallory Edwardian race to the Indy Sunbeam....it was wall driven though |
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21 Feb 2006, 18:24 (Ref:1528186) | #10 | ||
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Join Date: Oct 2005
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...it was wall driven though [/QUOTE]
It sounds like the Yellow One, but I don't remember a wall... I'm inclined to agree about mods - I will check it over as it stands, and see how it goes before messing around, there are quite enough things to sort out elsewhere as is comes apart anyway. |
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14 Mar 2006, 12:26 (Ref:1547909) | #11 | |
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Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 19
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I was wondering how your Maxwell project is progressing, Graham?
It sounds an interesting rebuild! Any pictures ?! |
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