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).
Considerations and strategy for developing supercharged car engines, comparing different cylinder configurations and referencing competitors.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\T\March1929-December1929\ Scan212 | |
| Date | 10th September 1929 | |
| HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} } FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} } RG.{Mr Rowledge} } Copy to - SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} " - WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} " - C. " - BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} " - F.{Mr Friese} SECRET. ORIGINAL CAR SUPERCHARGERS. If it is coming that an ordinary fast car will be fitted with a supercharger, it will be necessary to make an eight, or ten, or twelve cylinder engine - either eight cylinders in line or Vee, or ten or twelve cylinders in Vee, because of the higher revs., and bigger impulses and exhaust beats with a supercharger. If there are no reasons for setting up crankshaft vibrations (as exist in the 6 cyl.) then it is possible to use balance weights and save the crank bearings and crankchamber. Under these considerations we have soon to make a move in our engines - i.e. from the straight six, at least in our larger model. I have come to the conclusion that we shall smash up our larger 6 cyl. engines if we fit them with superchargers. (Mercedes and others particularly warn users to avoid excessive engine revs.) We must have an engine for this purpose that will run up to an enormous speed without risk of striking the master period with any impulses to set the crankshaft vibrating. I shall therefore concentrate on our small aero engine with a view to fitting this on a chassis with a supercharger suitable for car work - (sports in first instance.) My impression is that the Mercedes-Benz will not have long success with their supercharged 'six', on which they at present very definitely prohibit a covered body other than a fabric head. The chassis is so short and high at the back (over the axle) relative to the front, that there is hardly room even for a close coupled 4 seater. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||