I was looking under a Volvo 340 auto the other day and they use a
variomatic belt drive transmission. Instead of a diff they effectively
have one transmission per wheel. How would that be classed for trials? I
suppose it could be considered a torque biasing diff.
Just curious - I have no intention of running a 340...
Les
I think you will find that there is a diff, its just that it is situated ahead (upstream) of the belts; shaft out of the gerabox, to diff, one drive off each side of the diff to a belt for each wheel. But no doubt Tony Branson or Derek Reynolds can give you chapter and verse, Derek having trialling a DAF 66 with this system for quite some time.
ReplyDeleteI think the later 340 & 360 manual boxVolvo's have the same running gear as the old 240. They are built like tanks and tough as old boots! They also have a tranaxle fitted to the rear (should help with grip) Frt engined, rear drive ,small wheels, cheap to buy. Cheap car to trial!
ReplyDeleteThey do have a diff. Its only the DAF 55 and lower numbers that had each belt driving one wheel. I did consider trialling a 340 before I was seduced by a red Marlin and passed the DAF mantle to Derek Reynolds (an act that in retrospect seems the ultimate cruelty). The problem with the 340 is the considerable amount of extra weight added to protect the occupants. The engine is a Renault 14 with a downdraft Weber. I fitted it to the DAF 66 and in a considerably lighter car it was adequate. I would suggest a considerable amount of surgery with the angle grinder and removal of any extraneous creature comforts. The car is strong and with the transmission over the rear axle could be good for grip. There is a strang vacuum operated declutching mechanism to allow you to engage gear when the choke was out. I used this to good effect to get the revs up at the bottom of sections. As well as the centrifugal change up mechanism there is also a vacuum change up and down which can be utilised. There has been someone using a 360 which has the larger Volvo engine with a manual box. Give it a go and show the Escorts.
ReplyDeleteI think it was Rob Wells who had the 360. He then went onto a Troll and the last time I saw him was on the Ilkley with a Fiat Panda.
ReplyDeleteLes Newell wrote on the old board, where it won't appear as no new messages will appear there :-
ReplyDeleteI just did some searching and you're right - it does have a diff. I
wonder how well it all works for trials.
Hey all,
ReplyDeleteI just went for a trip to exmoor with the missus in my volvo 240 turbo
I came back and made a little vid of our adventures and stuck it on the tube, I was browsing on youtube and saw some trialling videos and it rekindled my interest in the sport (my dad used to have a morris 8 which we went to various meets with but he never trialled)
I Just have to get stuck in so I have just got a 340 for £70 with tax and test, I was reading the ACTC site about the classes and noticed it said that class 3 was for front engined rwd "SALOONS" but then it mentioned talbot sunbeam (hatchback) well the 340 is a hatchback and I was wondering if it will be eligible?
Also, is it ok for me and my bud to take turns driving, provided we both have licences etc..?
Hello - We are a real names group. Can you let us know your real name please.
ReplyDeleteMichael
Hi, sorry I didn't know that, My real name is Mike Suter, my internet name is suterman or suterman100 (on youtube and photobucket) has been for years, I am a regular long time member on turbobricks and VOC forums.
ReplyDeleteLooks like the sale of the 340 may have fallen through, I am still looking for a car to take trialing though.
Hello Mike,
ReplyDeleteBest way to find a car is to go to the main page of the Group and post a Note telling the guys what you want to do and ask any questions. I would be surprised if they couldn't find some cars for you to look at.
To post a new message you need to be a member. I will send you an invitation.
Michael
cheers! will do.
ReplyDelete