Gear ratios

Lola · 31 Jul 2001, 19:36 (Ref:124442)

Im racing this weekend at Donington Park for the first time and I need a little advice about the gear ratios I have selected to use.
Im racing a FF1600 car on 22" rear tires with a 9/31 CWP.
I have guessed at using
1. 14/36
2. 19/32
3. 22/29
4. 24/28
Am I far out?

**Peter Mallett** · 1 Aug 2001, 05:57 (Ref:124595)

Sorry, I'm unable to help here but you might like to private message Tony Harman who used to race a Classic FFord.

THR · 1 Aug 2001, 21:27 (Ref:124935)

were racing at donny to this weekend, and next.
car 24 FRenualt.

Lola · 1 Aug 2001, 23:45 (Ref:124986)

Good luck.
If things are going well i will come and say hello.
Im car 7 in the mono 1600 race

Neil C · 2 Aug 2001, 04:58 (Ref:125065)

Lola, there is a website called Formula Ford Underground http://server5.ezboard.com/bformulafordunderground
I haven't looked there in a while, and it may be mostly North American posters, but that might be a good place to get info on the gear ratios you need.

Good luck!

Tony Harman · 2 Aug 2001, 09:02 (Ref:125123)

Hi Lola

Here is the suggested ratio's for a FF1600 on ACB10 (22"), since you're a Mono I resume you have slicks and wings, don't know if that makes a difference. Also depends on your CWP ratio
Are you on short or full circuit ?

Classic FF1600 ratios (Kent engine) Avon ACB10 22" CWP 9/31
Short
15/36 19/31(or 20/32) 22/29 24/26 (or 25/27)
Long
17/33(or 17/34) 20/31 22/29 24/26 (or 25/27)

of course this assumes you are made of money and have a complete selection of ratio's

I would suggest going to the Hewland site and downloading their free ratio selector. It's old DOS based but works fine. I use it a lot.

The aim is to get a linear line through the lower rev drop points

Have fun at Donny, say hello to Bev Comber for me.

woodyracing · 2 Aug 2001, 17:35 (Ref:125296)

this all sounds very complicated, i thought Formula Fordies were supposed to be simple :confused:

WoodyRacing

Tony Harman · 2 Aug 2001, 18:36 (Ref:125313)

Far from simple Woody ('cept maybe the drivers!) - but then I like all techy stuff.
I do know people who never change ratios from one circuit to another. but if you want that extra edge out of the corner it is worthwhile. Although the engines are only slightly modified they still have a fairly narrow power band.
One of the drawbacks in my Clubmans car is that I can't change individual ratios just the diff ratio.

Oh and LOLA - don't think your ratios are too far out, maybe use a longer top providing you are pulling sufficient revs.
You can always change them after qualifying, only takes 20mins

(yeah and everybody takes Gerrards flat...)

Keep it on the black stuff

Lola · 2 Aug 2001, 18:58 (Ref:125316)

Yeh in a sream roller maybe.
I will give it a try. 20mins .........
Takes me about 3/4 hour............not quick

Thanks for the advice everyone.

THR · 2 Aug 2001, 21:29 (Ref:125357)

get at least 3hrs between qual and race!
so it dont really matter!

merlyn · 3 Aug 2001, 08:00 (Ref:125490)

IF you are on ACB9s ie same diameter as the old Dunlops then I would run a 24/27 top. If you are on the ACB10 then I guess that comes out as a 25/27.

Also Craner is flat !!

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