31 replies to this topic

[Cooperman]

Presumably the low gearing of the early cars was one of the reason why BMC sold so many 'Goldseal' engines.
We used to cruise at around 60 mph with the 850, which had a 3.76 as standard, and maybe just over 70 with the 998 Cooper, which was around 5000 rpm.
The 998 Cooper engine could safely revved to over 6000 and I know that is what I used to do with mine, which I bought new in 1964.
In fact, the original 1071 'S' had a 3.76 with the 'high' 3.44 not being standard until the 1275 came along. That did seem high geared back then.
I do like the 3.44 for normal road use as with modern speed limits it is not really feasible to cruise at much over 70 with all the electronic surveillance and the fun with out little cars is on twisty back roads, where a lower final drive is best.

[ACDodd]

3.1 is ideal match for the RS cam,

Ac