Classic/Antique Car Repair: Sunbeam Alpine clutch, sunbeam alpine, crash and bash

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
I have a 1964 Sunbeam Alpine with a non-syncro transmission. I plan to install a 1967 Alpine clutch/transmission assembly that is fully syncro'ed.

Some of the 1967 clutchs have extra splines, 25 instead of about half that.

What is the advantage to the 25 spline clutch/transmission units if any?

Thanks.

ANSWER: AJ, the last time that I answered a question like this I got a feedback rating that I was a moron. But I never learn and will answer as I see it. Unless you are racing the car and working the daylights out of it, use the parts that are most readily available to make the transition from the crash and bash gear box to the slippery slider. Under extreme working conditions the 25 spline clutch offers twice the wear surface on the spline for longer life while the heavier spline offers perhaps more strength if you are inclined to side step the clutch pedal with the engine wound to red line. Good Luck.
Brad

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks!
I am a Moron! and appreciate your advice.

A followup question?

Is the larger brake servo available on later Alpines (~ 7 inches as opposed to ~ 5 inches diameter) functionally any better? In other words, does one notice any difference when time comes to put on the brakes?

Probably another moron question but hey I gotta be honest <s>.

aj

ANSWER: I really don't know the answer to this one except that one would think that the larger diameter would give more surface on the diaphran exposed to vacuum, but a realy dumb engineer can screw this up by playing with the spring pressure behind the application valve. I love these types of questions as long as I can be honest and say that I don't know but can have an intelligent dialoge discussing the situation. I think in our case we spell moron differently G-E-A-R-H-E-A-D.
Brad
PS, got any more?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes, thanks, one more...

When the new clutch/tranny goes in I plan to lighten the flywheel to help the engine rev a little faster.

But how much is too much?

Race cars have to rev their engines cuz the flywheel has too little mass to help keep things spinning I am told. I just want to help an ancient 1.7 liter engine for the street.

Thanks!

Answer
Ya, you come up with some good ones. Well for every ounce that comes off the flywheel several things will happen:
1. The engine will rev quicker as there is less mass to accelerate.
2. The inherent vibration of the early 4 cylinder engine will be more pronounced as there is less mass to absorb the power stokes and dead strokes and lack of balancing.
3. The overlap of the cam shaft grind will be more pronounced at low speed and cause lumpy idle conditions.
4. You will need more rpm when letting off the clutch as there is less spinning mass to make the car move.
5. I have no idea how much to take off.
My suggestion is to contact one of the Vintage Racing sites and post a question.
Good Luck, dinner is ready gotta go!
Brad