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).
Trial of Vauxhall Cadet and Series 80 models, comparing their synchro-mesh gearboxes and engine mountings.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 15\5\ Scan228 | |
| Date | 6th January 1932 | |
| Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} C. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} C. Ry. 67310. E.3/AD6.1.32. SYNCHRO MESH. On Saturday afternoon last I made a short trial of the two latest models being produced by Vauxhall e.g. the Cadet and the series 80, both steel panelled saloons. The former is the more interesting on account of the synchro-mesh change which is somewhat different to the type we are using. The gear change certainly seemed to work well with very little time lag and the box was reasonably silent considering the price of this car. I understand that General Motors are of the opinion that the Cadet synchro-mesh works better than the Buick type similar to ours. Some delay in action is caused if the oil used in the gearbox is too thick owing to its effect on the friction clutches. It is interesting to note that the Cadet engine mounting has been altered from 3 point to 4 rubber feet like P.II used to be, the result being a decided improvement all round. There was nothing to be learned from the larger model except that it was an illustration of how directional stability can be lost by fitting American springing with insufficient damping on a car with a high centre of gravity. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} | ||