spunky
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| posted on 6/5/04 at 08:36 PM |
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NS Dev.
We use something at work called a 'KOP variator'. Its used as a variable drive for small conveyors. There is no belt in them and they are
infinately variable from Zero RPM up to max motor speed. Fantastic bit of kit but bloody complex inside. Sound like a similar idea to the auto box you
described above.
I look forward to seeing them installed on production cars, they sound great.
John
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stephen_gusterson
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| posted on 6/5/04 at 09:00 PM |
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I had a 620 2 litre auto - 94 model - for 3 years.
avoid the auto - its got crap gearing and dies between 35 - 50 mph if you want to overtake.
its a bit understeery, but the inside is nicely put together, and its basically honda mechanicals.
prob not a bad option for a good sized family motor on the cheap
atb
steve
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NS Dev
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| posted on 6/5/04 at 10:00 PM |
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Spunky, yes the kop variator is quite similar, uses ball bearings and conical discs if my memory serves me right?
Quite close to my heart this one as I designed, built and tested an electronically controlled infinitely variable mechanical transmission for my
engineering degree thesis, sounds really high tech, well the way it worked was quite clever but it was used in a pretty simple agricultural
application so not all that exciting!!
The variator I am on about is the Torotrak system, www.torotrak.com explains all re. the car transmission.
I did think of another application when I did my thesis in 1998-99 which I mentioned to Torotrak and heard nothing back, but strangely now this
specific application is mentioned on their website, and that is an electronically controlled variable speed mechanical drive for a supercharger.
Basically this would enable a fully mapped boost curve from a mechanically driven positive displacement supercharger, i.e. run high compressor rpm at
low engine rpm and maintain the required compressor speed regardless of engine speed.
I recently discovered that a similar system was used on Harrier jump-jets (and other planes) to control alternator speed and maintain this as constant
regardless of engine speed. It is also used on the new wind turbines sprouting up everywhere to maintain 50hz on the alternators in these.
The use in a supercharger drive is something I would love to experiment with (given time and money!!) 
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spunky
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| posted on 7/5/04 at 09:46 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by NS Dev
I did think of another application when I did my thesis in 1998-99 which I mentioned to Torotrak and heard nothing back, but strangely now this
specific application is mentioned on their website,
And the moral here is if you have a good idea get a copyright slapped on it.
I've found a lot of people have ideas or make mods to specific appliances/equipment only to find them in widespread use several years later.
A friend of mine worked on road rolling and tarmac laying machinery and used to modify the new plant as soon as he took delivery (safety mods mainly)
he mentioned it to the rep, got invited to make a presentation to the board and engineers and subsequntly got paid a large sum of money and was
offered a job.
When i was a kid I used to sew leather soles onto big wooly socks my mother knitted...Totes Toasties anybody...
Also questioned the efficiency of the 4 man bob during the winter olympics many years ago, I thought it might be better if they articulated it between
the skids...
All of you builders are potential inventors as you work your way round problems or fabricate special tools for specific jobs.
God I'm rambling and way off topic here....
John
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jollygreengiant
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| posted on 8/5/04 at 09:59 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by JoelP
quote:
Originally posted by stephen_gusterson
" i used to drive an omega "
thats the problem in a nutshell, isnt it? regardless of box...
atb
steve
1996, heated back seats, less the £2k. find a similar car like that though?
Just bought one - Nov '95 cdx model, estate, fully loaded, 2.5V6 petrol estate £920 cheap for 4-5 years motoring. Hmm might be suitable as a
donor?!!!!!!.
Enjoy
Beware of the Goldfish in the tulip mines. The ONLY defence against them is smoking peanut butter sandwiches.
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stephen_gusterson
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| posted on 8/5/04 at 10:59 PM |
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do you think that this one will stay outside of your house this time!
welcome back
steve
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jollygreengiant
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| posted on 9/5/04 at 07:55 PM |
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Long story steve. The sierra disappeared again (even though it was immobilised, courtesy of a hi-ab, reg no: G927PAU { wanted by police in respect of
theft of motor vehicle, damage to motor vehicles, assault,etc & registered to an address that doesn't exist. Found by me & followed
while police contacted & all they wanted me to do was ignore it!!!!!!!???.}. So I had to replace a car and so I replaced the wife 2.0i (pinto)
ghia granada which still leaves me with a donor. Oh and Omega CDX's have thatcham catagory 1 alarm/immobilsers as standard.
enjoy.
Beware of the Goldfish in the tulip mines. The ONLY defence against them is smoking peanut butter sandwiches.
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MautoK
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| posted on 1/7/04 at 05:06 PM |
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...just found this thread!
I'll let you know 
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locost_bryan
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| posted on 2/7/04 at 12:51 AM |
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I have a Mazda6 with the tiptronic-style auto - no "clutch slipping" from the latest generation of electronic autos!
Under full noise it even lifts the throttle for up-changes.
The tiptronic mode holds the selected gear until you nudge it up or down (as long as you're in the safe rpm range!), but drops down to 1st when
you stop. Also gives good engine braking on downshifts.
For you middie guys, a Honda V-TEC with the Accord 5-speed auto would be awesome!
Not so good for the rest of us, since one computer runs the engine and box and talks to the ABS and traction control 
Bryan Miller
Auckland NZ
Bruce McLaren - "Where's my F1 car?"
John Cooper - "In that rack of tubes, son"
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niceperson709
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| posted on 11/7/04 at 04:50 AM |
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Well i'm new to this fourm and have just discovered this topic and as my build actually has an auto trans I find the topic intresting .
I'm using a Toyota Ke 70 corrola trans coupled to a Nissan N16 engine . weight of the transmission is certianly an issue but as a lot of the
preformance in these cars is about of the mark get up and go there may be gains for that in going auto . certianly conecting the engine and trans is
simpler as is the shifter but I have been able to make my car with the tube across the front of the foot wells intactand that will ad to the chassis
rigidity . any way time will tell how the car preforms in the real world on the road.
I have had an automatic sedan as our family car for some time and after about twenty years of manuals it is a joy to drive , sure the caracteristics
are diferent to a manual and a lot of the percieved shortcomings of auto tranmisions are really down to the drivers not making the most of them and
trying to drive them the same way as a manual .
best wishes
Iain
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Mark18
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| posted on 18/7/04 at 09:59 AM |
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F1 gearboxes are sequential, and I think hydraulically operated (power assisted at any rate).
Mark
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NS Dev
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| posted on 18/12/10 at 05:43 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by NS Dev
Spunky, yes the kop variator is quite similar, uses ball bearings and conical discs if my memory serves me right?
Quite close to my heart this one as I designed, built and tested an electronically controlled infinitely variable mechanical transmission for my
engineering degree thesis, sounds really high tech, well the way it worked was quite clever but it was used in a pretty simple agricultural
application so not all that exciting!!
The variator I am on about is the Torotrak system, www.torotrak.com explains all re. the car transmission.
I did think of another application when I did my thesis in 1998-99 which I mentioned to Torotrak and heard nothing back, but strangely now this
specific application is mentioned on their website, and that is an electronically controlled variable speed mechanical drive for a supercharger.
Basically this would enable a fully mapped boost curve from a mechanically driven positive displacement supercharger, i.e. run high compressor rpm at
low engine rpm and maintain the required compressor speed regardless of engine speed.
I recently discovered that a similar system was used on Harrier jump-jets (and other planes) to control alternator speed and maintain this as constant
regardless of engine speed. It is also used on the new wind turbines sprouting up everywhere to maintain 50hz on the alternators in these.
The use in a supercharger drive is something I would love to experiment with (given time and money!!)
Re the above!!!
Blimey, a real blast from the past here!!!
I was talking to a friend here at work and we were just seeing how Torotrak are doing these days, as I have a bit of an affinity for them since my uni
days (thesis in 1998/99)
I now see that the idea I mentioned to them when I was a poor stooodent back then in the late 90's is in production as of 2011!! They have
formed a joint venture with Rotrex, and now produce the "Rotrak" blower, soon to be seen on huge numbers of production cars I would
think...............
I really should have got that one patented eh!!
Retro RWD is the way forward...........automotive fabrication, car restoration, sheetmetal work, engine conversion
retro car restoration and tuning
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flak monkey
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| posted on 18/12/10 at 06:19 PM |
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Rotrex have tried in the past and the last iteration was too inefficient to be much use. Maybe they have come up with something that works now. Will
be interesting to see 
Sera
http://www.motosera.com
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