Quaife debuts innovative prototype four-speed in-line sequential gearbox
“One of QBM1M’s groundbreaking features is its drop gear mechanism. Secured by circlips and situated beneath a ‘quick change’ cover, this system will enable users to easily alter the overall gearing to optimise performance.”
L
eading high performance automotive drivetrain specialist RT Quaife Engineering Ltd launched a state of the art prototype four-speed in-line sequential gearbox at the 2013 ASI show at the NEC. Codenamed QBM1M, it’s designed as a replacement for the Ford Rocket gearbox used for oval / short circuit racing and provides groundbreaking levels of user configurability in an ultra-compact, state-ofthe-art package which is rated to transmit up to 250bhp. An open face four dog design, four straight-cut gears and a barrel style shift mechanism will offer rapid gearshifts with a choice of gear lever locations. Combined with a lightweight, short design, these features will allow the QBM1M unit to facilitate the rearward positioning of the engine within vehicles that previously used a short tailcase Rocket gearbox, optimising overall weight distribution. One of QBM1M’s groundbreaking features is its drop gear mechanism. Secured by circlips and situated beneath a ‘quick change’ cover, this system will enable users to easily alter the overall gearing to optimise performance to suit their individual preferences. Six drop ratio choices, plus a huge range of 1st to 4th gear ratios means QBM1M users can fine tune gearing to suit circuits or even weather conditions in a matter of minutes. Key technical features of the prototype QBM1M four-speed sequential Rocketstyle gearbox with drop gears include:
GEARBOXES
Camillus Bradley is one of Quaife’s agents in Ireland and uses Quaife products in his cars.
27
• Ultra-fast sequential shift with barrel style change mechanism. • Wide range of base gear ratio sets and six drop gear options. • Quick change drop gears for easy overall gearing changes. • Ultra-compact short design. • Choice of gear lever locations. Gear Ratios 1st 3.31 – 1.60 Drop Gear Ratios 1.37 1.30
2nd 2.28 – 1.21 1.24
3rd 2.17 – 0.99 1.18
4th 2.05 – 0.79 1.14
1.09
Prototype testing of QBM1M is scheduled to begin shortly and the finalised production unit is scheduled to be on-sale later in 2013.
CarSport