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).
American automotive developments covering fuel, chassis, engine, and design trends.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 19\4\ Scan371 | |
| Date | 31th March 1932 | |
| -8- HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Am.1/MA. 31.3.32. cont'd.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} fuels are now sold on their octane rating, and it is quite possible to purchase petrol with an octane rating of 82 almost anywhere in the States. Compression ratios are being stepped up to take advantage of this fuel. As an example, the La{L. A. Archer} Salle has a normal compression ratio of 5.38 and an optional one of 5.7. Spring Shackles. The rubber shackle is rapidly losing ground. Its place is being taken by the threaded shackle which was first developed by R.R.A.I. This shackle is in process of being standardised by Buicks, Cadillacs, Chrevolets, and many others. Air Intake and Exhaust Silencers. The resonance type of silencer has "swept the Field". These silencers are of the straight through type, the sound waves being damped by tuning chambers. It is possible to calculate the dimension of the tuning chamber required with considerably accuracy. The loss of power with an exhaust silencer of this description is alledged to be surprisingly small. Electrical Equipment. The vacuum spark advance control is becoming popular when used in conjunction with the normal centrifugal ignition advance. Generators are being ventialted by a forced air draught. This has been necessitated by the demands of free wheeling. Coachwork. The appearance of a car is now regarded as one of its main selling features, and in consequence has been given a great deal of attention. Some of the latest Cadillac and La{L. A. Archer} Salle cars, in particular, are exceedingly good looking. Engine Design. Almost every car catering for the luxury business now has a 12 cyl or 16 cyl engine. Side by Side connecting rod bearings are widely used, andin at least one case, the 12 cyl Cadillac, have proved to be the limiting factor in power out put and caused trouble in service. Motoring Conditions. The Roads west of Dayton and Detroit are, in many stretches, perfectly safe for 100 M.P.H. There are authentic cases of people averaging 65 and 70 M.P.H. for over 150 miles. Some of the roads are double-track and | ||