Caerbont Right Angle Speedo Drive Qs

[IamScotticus]

Sirs,

Regarding this angle drive:

 

What is the top screw for?

 

What is best lubrication?

 

What tooth count drive gear to use with a 3.6 diff on 23" tyres?  Speedo VDO unknown calibration.

 

Are Escort transmission drive gears interchangeable with T-9?

 

Thanks

 

[7Westfield]

I opened up one that I have, and it looks like there's a bit of grease in there, but it would take a pretty small needle to get more in.

That is the "standard" unit on MGB's, Triumphs, etc, so maybe Moss Motors can help you.

 

Never seen a reference to alternate gears for T9, usually you have the speedo regeared to suit the cable revs per mile.

I got a price to redo my Smith's recently, $250-300.

For that money, I'll just use a Racetech unit with electric sender

 

There are cheap GPS speedos on fleabay

[IamScotticus]

4 minutes ago, 7Westfield said:

There are cheap GPS speedos on fleabay

Im inclined to go that route when I settle on a model .  I have all the hardware to make a working cable speedo now.

 

Did you use any speedo blanking plugs?  Berring kits has a plug kit but won't sell to USA.

[7Westfield]

I left the gear in place, with a new seal. I'll need it whenever I get around to the Racetech

Folk on the Westfield forum say to just use a freeze plug, and silicone it in, if deleting the gear

 

I didn't use one of the cheap round fleabay units because they are 85mm, and the hole in the dash is 80mm, which suits the racetech

 

Edited March 2, 2022 by 7Westfield

[papak]

I just run a VDO speedo mated to a GPS receiver. I'm sure then combo was less than $300. Never worry about tire sizes again! Bullet-proof reliable and no vibration issues. Tap and plug the adapter port and the next time the transmission is out of the car, you can pull the gear off the output shaft. Every ounce counts (one less leak as well)!

[IamScotticus]

Hey, the gear is already out. A totally clean housing that never got dirty.  I have all the parts for a cable speedo but the electronic/ GPS options are so clean. Very tempting.

VDO had a unit that took several different signal inputs like Hall, optical,  etc.

I am wanting to try and keep that 90's Caterham style on the instruments.

Edited March 3, 2022 by IamScotticus

[7Westfield]

16 hours ago, papak said:

I just run a VDO speedo mated to a GPS receiver. I'm sure then combo was less than $300. 

did you use the VDO sender?

Edited March 3, 2022 by 7Westfield

[papak]

As I recall, I ordered it directly from VDO. The gauge is a 3 ⅛" Cockpit series 120 mph speedometer (PN 437-151), $199.00. The sender is PN 340-786, $140.99.

There is a jumper arrangement on the back of the speedometer in order to pair it with the sender. Both need a 12v supply. The GPS receiver is line of sight of course so the signal goes away in tunnels and garages but resumes very quickly when back out in the open. The speedometer has a digital odometer and trip recorder. I chose to mount the receiver on the top of the scuttle (as shown in the attached photo) but may fabricate a mount for it at the top of the rear cockpit bulkhead between the seats as I never use a top on the car. In the present location, I have to get behind the dash to disconnect/reconnect whenever I remove the scuttle. Pain in the ass.

[Rosteri]

Wow, that is a nice looking panel!

[papak]

A CF panel was going to run about $400 so I cut a new one from .060 aluminum and covered it with a CF textured vinyl overlay. Probably $30. The holes for the gauges were made with punches, generally available online. I bought the 3 ⅛” one used on e-bay. The finished panel probably weighs an ounce more that the CF one.

[IamScotticus]

I suppose the benefit of the GPS is no calibration needed? point A to point B in X time = MPH.

That sender! omg.  but compared to setting up other senders,  price for convenience. 

Edited March 4, 2022 by IamScotticus

[sltous]

If you want to keep your existing cable driven speedometer because you like the look or the size there is at least one GPS cable driven speedometer sender https://speedhut.com/accessories/sensors/speed-sensors/speedbox-cable-included-gps-vss-to-mechanical-drive-speed-converter/

 

I considered it for a bit and ended up with a Speedhut GPS speedometer since there were problems with the speedometer hardware and it needed to be replaced anyway

[toldfield]

I installed a GPS speedometer from Nisonger Instruments that matches the other Smiths instruments in my 1983 S-3.  The antenna is on a bracket I fabricated in the nose, in front of the radiator.  Works great.

[IamScotticus]

No, I don't have to have cables.