QUOTE (rick1776 @ 5 Sep 2012, 00:12)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>Set up a drag run. Measure the elasped time with a brass pinion. Replace the brass with a plastic pinion. But make sure to add the weight difference so that the car's overall weight does not change. Repeat the drag race run. Now you will be testing the effect of any reduction in inertia. Do the run 10 times and take the average. Repeat with the plastic pinion. I suspect that the variation between any two runs will probably be greater than any "measurable" gain. Once again happy to be proven wrong, but pleased show me the data.
I would want to see a double blind test, to remove any trace of subjective judgment on the part of the driver.
I think in some respect we are both missing the point, the idea is to get the customer to think it makes a difference, the actual difference is less important.
QUOTE (stoner @ 5 Sep 2012, 07:34)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>we,re really arguing about top racers in world finals. if it gives you 1inch more per lap its a better product. john
John, no we are not, we are talking about cheap plastic pinions used to run at home or at club level.
If the gain is 1mm per lap, then you have wasted your money, and as rick1776 and I have hinted, there are many many other factors (including some unexpected ones) which will make a more noticeable difference and cost nothing.
In any case what works at top level does not always transfer lower down (like a shopping trolley with F1 tyres for example).
For me the irony of these transmission "improvements", is that most of these cars still rely on the motor shaft rubbing on the side of the contrate to locate the rear axle.
Joel