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 merits and costs of an aluminium straight eight engine compared to a cast iron version.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 148\2\ scan0022 | |
| Date | 26th October 1938 | |
| -3- Aluminium Straight Eight. The disadvantage of a heavy power unit is not confined to the effect its weight has on the acceleration of the vehicle. The engine mass is now centred so very far forward in the chassis that it exercises an overwhelming influence on the general way the car handled and the lightness of the steering. We are, therefore, particularly anxious that at the completion of the 'bread and butter' range of engines we should go forward with an aluminium version of the Straight Eight fitted with dry liners, which should weigh no more than the six-cylinder unit. We feel that such a unit would appeal to the man who is still prepared to pay £1500 for his car if he can get something better than the mass-produced vehicle for his money. A careful analysis of this unit seems to indicate that almost all the jigs and fixtures suitable for the cast iron engine could be used on the aluminium engine, so that production would not be adversely affected. The general impression seems to be that as soon as the present abnormal demand for aluminium for rearmament subsides, the production methods will have so far improved that it should be available at not much more than 50% of its present price. In any case, it would appear that the cost of an aluminium engine should not exceed by more than £10 the cost of a similar cast iron engine with liners. HM.{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs} | ||