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).
The performance of Delco-Remy, Lucas, and Spectre ignition coils and distributors.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 163\7\ img240 | |
| Date | 18th January 1934 | |
| Mr. Robotham, Athletic Club, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A. From Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Wst. 86036. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Wst.4/MA.18.1.34. Dear Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}, We have tested the Delco-Remy High Speed Ignition Coil and we agree that at intermediate speeds it gives a higher voltage but the voltage still falls away appreciably at high speed. Furthermore the current consumption is we consider excessive and would lead to rapid point burning. We have ourselves produced a combination of ignition coil and ballast resistance which gives exactly the same performance as this Delco Remy high speed coil at speeds above 2500 RPM. with about 10 to 15% reduction in current consumption. Discussing this matter with the Chief Engineer of Messrs.Lucas he confirmed our tests stating that they had also produced a similar combination of coil and ballast for high speed operation, and they were not enamoured with the Delco-Remy effort as represented in their latest coil. We have found in our tests that the operation of the small vibrator is very inconsistent. Also we do not like the idea of another set of contact on the ignition system with the further addition of three more electrical windings which might cause trouble. With regard to the SpectreCodename for Phantom III Ignition we shall be glad if you will obtain for us samples of the latest 12 cylinder ignition distributors and coils used in the U.S.A. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Wst. | ||