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).
Test drive report on a 4-cylinder car, noting performance issues and suggesting improvements.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 134\5\ scan0067 | |
| Date | 4th July 1941 | |
| To Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Wym.{G. Harold Whyman - Experimental Manager} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} 1133 Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}3/ST.4.7.41. 4-CYLINDER CAR. ---------------- My run to Rotols and back was the first long distance trip I have had on the 4-cylinder. The results are very encouraging. The most unfavourable thing about the engine was the valve spring surge and the noise in the rear seat, which is considerably worse than the front seat, and I think must be either propellor shaft or rear expansion box. The sticking throttle rather spoils the feeling of docility, and caused a fairly violent running after switching off, but not so bad as on 9.B.V. Having virtually only a three speed gearbox prevented one from keeping up the engine revs. I think that there is little doubt that we shall be able to improve the low speed torque by attention to carburetter and induction system. I think that we should concentrate on getting the rear seat impression as good as that in the front seat, and certainly not let Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} try it until we have a four speed non overdrive box. Faults on the chassis which would upset Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} are crashing on the front suspension and too much front braking, resulting in a tendency to low speed wobble. The high second speed contributes towards the engine jumping about when the clutch is engaged in this gear. I should still be interested to try a hydraulic damper between the engine and the frame. A small one like we used on the mechanical front brakes might be adequate. We shall have to eliminate the valve spring surge. This applies to all high power engines. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||