"Inspirations" for my ERA 289

[jeffy]

I spoke with Peter this morning, and my ERA FIA is underway; the chassis number is 2131! The frame has been welded and powder-coated, and they are putting in the lines. Danny has also gotten started with the motor. Next step is a visit to New Britain to review everything. There is no turning back now!

I have done some more research on rear-end and transmission gearing combinations, and am now leaning toward the following: 3.07 rear gears and the Richmond Road Race 5-speed, with a 3.04 1st, 2.13 2nd, 1.57 3rd, 1.24 4th and 1:1 final. I like the Richmonds because of their durability reputation, and I like this gearing combination because, at the wheels, it is pretty much the same as a 3.77 rear with a close-ratio TopLoader (2.32 1st, 1.69 2nd, 1.29 3rd, 1:1 4th), which is how I understand the original race cars were set up. The 1:1 fifth with the 3.07 rear is, in effect, a 0.81 overdrive with a 3.77 rear. I don't want a short first and, based on my conversations with Danny, my engine won't match well with a steep final gear or overdrive. Since "the Webers like to run wide open", and I don't plan long highway cruises, I'm not even sure I'll spend much time in fifth, but I think it is worth having.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by jeffy

Next step is a visit to New Britain to review verything. There is no turning back now!

Excellent! Here's a tip: When you fly in to Bradley International Airport and walk downstairs to catch a cab, they won't come to you until you go up to the person in the glass enclosed booth and say the magic words. Evidently the taxis hide somewhere out of view until she calls them. Stangest thing. I don't know how long I stood there waiting for a cab before I figured that out....