Re: Treadlrvac???????

Posted by HH56 On 2009/5/23 20:16:11

The MC change would be a good idea if one can be found & adapted. Problem is the stroke and pedal ratio.

Stroke ideally would have to be around 4 inches but the bigger problem is the 1:1 pedal ratio. Unless there is something incredibly more efficient in the Bendix power unit, a 1:1 conventional cylinder won't work. Craig found this out in his use of the MPB modern unit where he had to go back and rework the pedal leverage to keep his unit in original location and feel comfortable with it.

No one versed in fluid theories has spoken up as to the exact reason why TV works at that low ratio. Best guess is because of the narrow piston and longer stroke, it's essentially displacing fluid by inserting mass & squeezing it out rather than "pushing" it out the opening in front of a piston.

At any rate, that plus the extremely limited room for any other cylinder is the problem. There are some fairly small bore cylinders which might be able to fit but think most conventional cylinders only have about a 2 - 2 1/2" stroke. There's also the question of with a small bore & short stroke is that enough fluid volume available for the wheels and does the ratio still need to be higher. Haven't looked but it might be possible to move the unit toward engine an inch or so which might help the fit problem--but not the mechanical advantage.