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Live axle abuse


John

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Can anyone give a good estimation of what BHP can reliably be put through a live axle. I know that the English is beefier than the Ital, but what BHP would either take if using standard shafts and an LSD? This may have a follow to any engine upgrade I contemplate. Currently running X-F.

 

John

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The limit of the English axle used to be considered to be about 150BHP but that was in a Mk 1 Escort which is much heavier and will therefore transmit quite a lot more torque than the Caterham.

 

It is torque that breaks the axle so the weight of the car, coefficient of friction of the tyres, diff ratio etc will all play a part.

 

I have an English Axle with a Quaife conversion fitted in a Mk1 escort with a 4.7 LSD and I broke 2 half shafts last year. This axle is reputed to be good for 180BHP.

 

Quite a complex problem really.

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