Quote:
Originally Posted by Ken Fry
My point was just that The Riley is not stunningly efficient by virtue of aero. 65 mph on 17 hp is not impressive.
Regards,
Ken
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Ken, Actually having one as I do shows a different picture than theory. The car may not be "stunningly efficient by virtue of aero" as you say, but, 100+ mpg it is pulling (over 2000 miles now) so the magic must be elsewhere right?
Also, 65mpg on 17hp is not impressive, unless we stop for a moment and realize that when that little car hits 65 it is limited by the governor - 3060 rpm in this case. When it hits that limit you feel it stop pulling - so it still has power it's just rpm limited. A 454 with a blower and nitrous at 3000 rpm will still only go 65mph with the spitfire transmission and 3.89 differential. As an urban car with highway driving added (not interstate driving which we do not have around here) is perfectly suited.
Lastly, and not defending Riley, but a mile is a mile and a gallon is a gallon whether it is 1982 or 2012 - his figures are accurate for the plans - at least this build falls within those figures albeit on the high side. One thing not mentioned that few can - the Centurion will (on a variety of fuels) survive an EMP - something that pops up in the news and science shows from time to time.
Back to more refining.
~CrazyJerry
