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 and chassis modifications for the 10,000 Miles Bentley 5-B-IV.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 82\3\ scan0115 | |
| Date | 15th February 1935 | |
| To R.H.C. X.455 3 a (3) Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}3/KW.15.2.35. 10,000 Miles Bentley - 5-B-IV. It has now been decided by Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} that 5-B-IV must go to France at the end of this month. As far as we know, the engine specification has been settled, and the textolite gears we have passed off. We have of course deleted the flywheel and clutch to N.Sch.4190, and substituted N.Schemes 3948 and 4181. No spring driven clutch centre will be fitted, but the propellor shaft damper. It may be that you would like to replace the existing strip big end lead bronze bearings by something better, but we are leaving this to you. We understand that you thought you might get better results by making these big ends in the same way as you do the ordinary lead bronze big ends, and machining to the required thickness. Fit these if you think desirable. When we have decided which head we are going to run we should like three of the exhaust valves to be stellited. We will hand the head to you in due course. With regard to the chassis, the major modifications to this since the last specification are :- (1) Fit the 7% lower axle ratio as at present fitted to 1-B-IV. (2) Fit the set of lightened road springs as supplied by Leslie. (3) Fit the centrally mounted wings and radiator. (4) Fit the 14" drums and the latest type water excluders. (5) Have available the latest type dropped front cross member, to R.R. scheme 803, but do not fit. It may be that with the centrally mounted wings it will not be necessary. | ||