<VV> Travlin In A Brier

[Smitty Smith]

From: "Robert Marlow, Vairtec Corp." 
Subject: Re: Travlin In A Brier

Bob Says: Smitty, I don't mean this meanly but I know no other way 
to say it [grin!] He was concerned with his friend's Powerglide 
unit, where poking it down into another gear isn't really a practical 
option. Nonetheless, it is my experienced opinion that his friend's 
powertrain combo (95-hp PG 3.55) may prove superior in the hills to 
his (95-hp 4-speed 3.27), all other things being equal, because of 
the axle ratio.
  -------------------------------------------------------------
  Smitty says:  Bob I am glad you conceded that the PG may work out well in hill climbing.  It has been a long time since I used anything but a PG when I was getting down into the grunt speeds.  I have no way of comparing to a 4spd in recent use.  How you can say going down a gear with a PG is not a practical option though, I don't understand.  That's what the "L" on the shift selector is.  Another gear.  It is good up to 40 all day long on a fairly steep grade.  When it forces out of low at above 40 then the engine speed will be above 2000 and you can continue on in high.
  I tried to make the point that if you are traveling in a Brier you will have to make that decision.   To have a few cokes or find another ride.
  I have traveled several times in Allen Bristows Brier at 80-85 mph for hours on end, so I know they can smash bugs.  That is not the discussion here.