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).
Chassis improvements covering engine firing, overheating, front spring stiffness, and steering.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 24\5\ Scan006 | |
| Date | 15th April 1925 | |
| To E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} & DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} from R.{Sir Henry Royce} To AJS. c. to HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} Y766 RG{Mr Rowledge}/M15.4.25. FUTURE CAR WORK. 766 X.8770 S430 X.5770 S230 X.8410 Please contradict if incorrect. When you get time please make studies for chassis improvements as follows. Mr. Johnson points out the following deserve attention :- (1) FIRING IN THE EXHAUST WITH THROTTLE CLOSED. This we have suggested should be tested in several ways principally by arranging for air only just after the throttle is fully closed. We seem better generally, but not good enough: difficult problem. (2) WATER OVERHEATING. We have now an engine which heats less water even considering its extra power, a slightly better and easier to drive fan, we have a larger radiator, and I consider that we are carrying as much weight as is wise. We can now only consider a thinner radiator and more front area, and below the frame, or louvred bonnet. (3) FRONT ROAD SPRINGS TOO STIFF. The springs on our car will be longer and more flexible than those of anyone else, and they are as flexible as I should recommend for the amount of clearance available under the frame etc. I am of the opinion that for this latter reason, and for the steady riding of the car at fair speeds, this request is quite unwise, and I think any additions to the joints, radius or torque to the front axle would be worse than the slight gain (if any) from returning to the more flexible springing. (4) EASIER STEERING ON LOCK. This can be worked at in any way possible, but it is evident that our easiest scheme, after slower steering, is to reduce the weight on the front wheels in every way possible: it will help in so many ways. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||