From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Engine mounting options, superchargers, gearboxes, and the 25HP model.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\V\October1930-February1931\ Scan027 | |
| Date | 20th October 1930 guessed | |
| (3) We are still hoping to do something with the engine mounting and other improvements for the immediate future, and it will be understood that we can choose between high compression and low, which gives us either a vigorous engine or a woolly one. We can choose at the moment between a flabby engine mounting which gives bad steering, and the more rigid mounting which allows more vibration, and we believe that our compromise is the best we can do at the moment. The problem will be much easier with the 12 cyl. engine, as will other problems such as the starter and the smaller pistons, and it will be possible with such an engine for the real speed merchant to fit a supercharger should this become a demand. I have however consistently been of the opinion that a supercharger is not a move in the right direction for the object of our chassis: there were less at the Show this year. From information picked up by Messrs Day and Hardy, the Wilson change gears require considerable care in frequently changing the oil (shewing brake fabric wear) and decidedly bad without the fluid flywheel. Time will shew if the move is a good one. I very much doubt it: I am sending another memo. on this subject. Our position at Olympia suggested a certain reasonableness and safety to the buyer of well tested, sane, and practical policy. I hope you will not think me too conservative but a wrong move would be worse than a late one, but both are bad. R.{Sir Henry Royce} Regarding the 25HP. kindly remember what I preached at the B.M. before it is too late - i.e. some effort at once, and greater when we are ready, but present stock should be flowing quicker to make room for more. FHR. | ||