Question about the gear drive in SR3

[pstockley]

I've heard rumours that the gear drive in the SR3 isn't very reliable. Someone on another board mentioned that Radical may be going back to a chain system. Can anyone confirm/deny this? I am using this drive unit in a car I am scratch building and want to know of any issues I may have.

[TPApex]

Sorry, I don't know anything about the gear drive but please would you tell me where to find the other Radical message board you mention.

[dannylt]

I very much doubt it. The gear drive is built by Quaife, and looks far more reliable than the chain unit. Are you sure it wasn't a jealous XTR2 owner?

It could be that the gear drive has heat issues with hard use, but there's an optional gear drive cooler too.

[AndrewD]

Like Danny, I'd be sceptical of a rumour that suggested replacing a Quaife unit with a chain drive!

Got the oil cooler as additional peace of mind, and in case I go endurance racing at some point.

[pstockley]

When I ordered my unit, it was delayed 6 weeks because they had a problem with the previous version. I hope they have fixed the issues because its a really cool unit. Anyone with an SR3 keep me posted how it works out.

Cheers
Paul

[AndrewD]

Will do.
Presume you ordered it from Radical did you as I don't think you can get it direct from Quaife?
Andrew

[pstockley]

I got it from PowerTEC (engine/transmission arm of Radical). Quaife won't sell one direct because it was designed by Radical in conjuntion with Quaife.

[scuffham]

Out of interest, how much do they cost from PowerTech?

Simon (S)

[pstockley]

1,980.00 + 180 for flex drive coupling.

[suparuss]

what is the chain drive unit? i think ive seen the quaife one youre talking about but the only chain drive reverser (i take it youre talking about reverse gearboxes?) ive seen is the mk electric one.

Cheers,

Russ.

[alec dudfield]

The gear drive unit is very reliable. For fast track use do get the oil cooler; check oil level and change the oil regularly.

Chain drive as used on the Prosport is a neat solution for that car, but the need for regular replacement of chains and the lack of reliablity / limited use of the electric reverse make it an inappropriate choice for any road use.

Alec

[suparuss]

cheers alec, is the mk electric the one on the club sport then? the reason i ask is that ive just designed a reverse box specifically for mid mounted bike engines and will be applying for a patent in the next week or so. i cant tell you a lot about it right now, but it is mechanical so uses the engine power for reverse and has zero moving parts when going foreward, not even a bearing will turn. but still has the disadvantages of the chain, i reckon thats out weighed by the fact it will be very compact and lightweight (in relation to the powertec unit) so ill see how it goes.