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).
Test report on the 8-EX car, detailing its engine performance, clutch, and steering.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 65a\1\ scan0383 | |
| Date | 4th June 1928 | |
| BJ. from CWB. C. to PN.{Mr Northey} copy / 7770 CWBLO/GM4.6.28. 8-EX CAR. X180 This car has been given a thorough test with particular reference to the points mentioned by Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} in his note of 26th. May to CWB. and to Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}3/LG24.5.28. Our views are as follows :- (1) ENGINE AND GENERAL PERFORMANCE. The torque reactions of this engine up to 25 m.p.h. are considered to be slightly greater than our present average standard and are disappointingly greater in view of the comparatively poor performance of the car up to this speed. Above 25 m.p.h. the engine is remarkably smooth and, taking everything into consideration, the performance was thought to be about equal to our present standard, but no better. The general induction noises were considered to be greater than at present and it is hoped that some improvement in this respect may be found possible. Apart from this, the general silence of the engine, when warmed up, is considered to be satisfactory. The engine suffer from back firing in the exhaust to a rather greater degree than the present average. It back fired repeatedly if the governor control lever was kept in the slow running position and occasionally if this lever was fully closed. Both this factor and the poorness of the performance may be due to some irregularity in the carburation, as the petrol consumption was abnormally high, average only 9 m.p.g. and the best running seemed to be obtained with the carb. control lever set 2 or 3 notches weak. No re-adjustments of any sort were made to the carburetter. The clutch was found to be exceptionally smooth and good for control, but gave the impression that it was just on the point of slipping and, in fact, did definitely slip on two or three occasions. The increased noise from the tappets during the period of warming up the engine was observed and is not considered to be a serious drawback. (2) STEERING. With the exception of the lack of safety in a severe emergency at high speeds, which is considered to be inherent in this type of steering and which has now been fully discussed :- contd :- | ||