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Re: [MarcosManiacs] Re: Rear differentials

2003-06-02 by Mike Denman

Pat,
The rear end on the early Marcos cars was out of a Ford Cortina. I'm not sure what other cars it might have been fitted to. Some Lotus 7's also used these rear ends. Several ratios are available. Personally I have tried the numerically lowest three. My Marcos came with a 3.9 to 1 which gives great acceleration with a stock engine. With a modified engine this ratio is a little low for normal driving. The next ratio in sequence is a 3.77 to 1 and I have this ratio in my car at the present time with a highly modified engine. I really like this ratio for my car because the acceleration (with a modified engine) is still excellent and still gives a top speed (theoretical and in Overdrive) of 146 mph at 6500 rpms with the tires and wheels on my car. My car cruises easily in the 80 to 90 mph range at between 3600 and 4000 rpms (approximate and in Overdrive). The next ratio in sequence is the 3.55 to 1 and I have one of these as well. My modified engine still had great acceleration with this ratio but the cruising numbers were rather bizarre. As I recall, 60 mph was reached in under 3000 rpms and 90 mph (in od.) came at 3800 rpms. I'm not sure what the theoretical top speed would have been ;because there is no way that my engine would have enough power to reach 6500 in O.D. with this ratio. In fact, from my experience with my car and engine, the top speed would have been about the same but with the 3.77 reaching top speed quicker. So the 3.55 to 1 might be nice if you plan on driving across country on the interstates but is a little much for the normal car. The other ratios that are "available" are 4.11, 4.44, 4.7, 4.9, 5.1, and 5.3. Some of these ratios were built by the factory but hard to find when looking to buy.
There are several potential sources in the USA for parts or for complete differentials. Dave Bean Engineering in San Andreas, CA, and Rapid Motion in Danville, CA are but two that I know of where I don't have to look up the names but there are others as well.
If you have any other questions that I can help with please call me at 831 661-0875
Mike Denman
Chassis #4079
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, June 02, 2003 9:12 AM
Subject: [MarcosManiacs] Re: Rear differentials

Pat,
Mike Denman would be the one to contact regarding differentials. He's had lots of experience with different ratios. My V6 has a Corsair rear end (Banjo type) with 3.77:1 ratio. I think the innards are like a Cortina rear but not positive.
Mike???
Don Lattimer
#3m5759
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, June 01, 2003 6:42 AM
Subject: {SPAM} Re: [MarcosManiacs] New TS500

Don!
I was once told that the Salisbury differential unit (with bolted cover visible from the rear) has 3.58:1 ratio and that no other ratio is available. Apparently, some Marcos are equipped with a "Banjo" type differential (no cover plate) for which higher gear ratio ( lower numerically) are available. Are these units the same as Falcon, Mustang, German Capri, Maverick, with 8" ring gear? Has anyone experienced changing gear ratio? I would like to learn from their experience.
Pat 3L5365>
> From: "Don Lattimer"
> Date: 2003/06/01 Sun AM 12:54:31 EST
> To:
> Subject: [MarcosManiacs] New TS500
>
> Marcos has announced the TS500 which is a V8 powered TS250. Puts out 320 HP and 350 lb.ft of torque. All in a 1025kg car!!! Price is 35k pounds. I want one!
>
> http://www.pistonheads.com/news/article.asp?storyId=6805
>
> Don Lattimer
> #3m5759
>


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Marcos has announced the TS500 which is a V8 powered TS250. Puts out 320 HP and 350 lb.ft of torque. All in a 1025kg car!!! Price is 35k pounds. I want one!
Don Lattimer
#3m5759


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