Differential for Sprite/Elva

[Michael Oritt]

I have a 4.5 welded Sprite differential in my Elva Courier race car and would like to obtain a taller one for Sebring. What are my ratio choices and what are likely sources for finding one already welded up?

 

[Tim Hollister]

[ QUOTE ]
I have a 4.5 welded Sprite differential in my Elva Courier race car and would like to obtain a taller one for Sebring. What are my ratio choices and what are likely sources for finding one already welded up?

[/ QUOTE ]

Michael,

Common ratios are 4.22 and 3.90. Also available is 3.70 but these are harder to find as they come from a '79 Midget. Going up above 4.55, you'll find 4.88 and 5.375.

Suggest you post over on the Production Racing web site. The URL for the Wanted section is:

Prod Car Site Wanted Page

HTH! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Tim

 

[Billm]

The ratios 4.22 and above were often used in Morris Minor trucks and delivery vehicles, Paul Asgeirsson at Morrisservice in Portland probably could get you any ratio you wanted.
Bill

 

[jlaird]

Whoo hoo, 4.88 in a bugeye. Ever see a burnout.

 

[Bugeye58]

Jack, Tim was running a 5.38 in the Sprite racer. <u>That</u> kept the RPM up!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Don't know what he's going to put in the new Bugeye race car.
Jeff

 

[Bugeye58]

Mike, which ratio would you rather use at Sebring? I may be able to dig something up among my contacts in this area. Probably already welded, too.
Jeff

 

[jlaird]

Hmmm, warmed over 998 to about 60 Hp or so and a 5.38 rear end.

I will never run on freeways so..... Man would that be an intresting combination for sure.

On a good day might just pick up the front end or at least make it real light.

Where/what does a 5.38 come from?

 

[Bugeye58]

[ QUOTE ]

Where/what does a 5.38 come from?

[/ QUOTE ]

Jack, I think they were originally in Morris Postal vans.
Jeff

 

[jlaird]

Well guess the deal then is to watch ebay morris parts.

 

[DrEntropy]

You gonna want Miss Agatha able to climb TREES, Jack?!?! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devilgrin.gif

 

[jlaird]

I want to do wheelies at the stop lights with the big guys.

 

[Tim Hollister]

[ QUOTE ]
I want to do wheelies at the stop lights with the big guys.

[/ QUOTE ]

Jack,

Don't know about wheelies but with 110-120 horsepower it'll light up both 8" wide Hoosiers (locked differential) for 30+ feet in the driveway - ask me how I know! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/lol.gif

On a more serious note, if you are truly considering changing to a higher ratio differential, then you really should consider getting some competition axles to go with it. I know you know about breaking the stock axles. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yesnod.gif

Somehow though me'thinks you are just kidding around. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/angel.gif

Jeff,

Regarding the Bugeye racer, I'll expect to run something quite a bit lower at WHRRI due primarily to the lower revving Limited Prep 1275 that will be going into it. We'll see as things develop... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/troll.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/patriot.gif

Happy New Year to all!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

Tim

 

[Michael Oritt]

[ QUOTE ]
Mike, which ratio would you rather use at Sebring? I may be able to dig something up among my contacts in this area. Probably already welded, too.
Jeff

[/ QUOTE ]
-----------------------------------
Jeff--

I currently have a 4.5 which is fine for most tracks but a bit short for VIR and way short for Sebring. I'd be interested in a 4.2 or a 3.9 both if available, esp. if welded.

 

[Deleted member 3577]

Michael,

The 3.7 is no problem in the Elva.
I got a complete center at Team Triumph for $45.00
https://www.teamtriumph.com/

And you can get just the ring & pinion at Quantum Mechanics.
https://www.quantumechanics.com/categories.php?op=newindex&catid=3

Even w/ the close ratio box and an aluminum flywheel, I don't have to slip the clutch to get going.

 

[Bugeye58]

OK, Mike, I'll see what I can find among my usual suspects.
Jeff

 

[regularman]

I changed mine from a 3.90 to a 3.55 to gear it higher but that is probably too high for racing.

 

[Hap Waldrop]

Mike, you know Bob Lembke, he races a Elva, I got his email at work, he lives in Florida and could tell you what ratio he runs at Sebring, email me at work, I'll forward to Bob and put you two together. Bob is a long time racer and very knowledgable.

 

[Deleted member 3577]

[ QUOTE ]
I changed mine from a 3.90 to a 3.55 to gear it higher but that is probably too high for racing.

[/ QUOTE ]

A 3.55?.....That works in an Elva Mk II rear end?

Oh-yes.....I want one!!!.....Gimme,Gimme,gimme /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yesnod.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Bugeye58]

Where do you plan on racing, Dave, Bonneville??
Jeff

 

[Deleted member 3577]

I looked at the case back when I was buying the Tran-X LSD and was telling some spridget guys I had a 3.7 in the Courier.
(I mean it had 11/41 stamped on it)

The consensus was that I was either full of BS or someone replaced the guts.

They said I'd burn up clutches & stall out everywhere.

Well I got the a whole new rear end made up so I wouldn't have to have any down time in the summer.
And I was really afraid of what they were saying.
Then when I pulled the old (open rear) one out to replace it, I discovered that it was in fact a 3.7

The nay-saying was all BS.
In fact, I have since gone to the Fidanza flywheel, 15" rims AND a 2.45 first gear (standard was 3.64)
(Next is a MONSTER cam /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif)

If the car can still spin stickers......
I'm going 3.55!!!

Does it really exist??? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif
See ya at Bonneville /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif