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What if you could stave off a transmission failure long before it happens? That’s where crack checking comes in.
Both the constant and instant load stresses applied to a transmission’s shafts and gears can lead to cracks. “These are not issues that …
Forgive me as I don't mean to be a wet blanket but I've always skipped the REM polishing. This is mostly because I run low horsepower cars as well as choosing gearboxes based on reliability.
In the example given it's a 1.3% gain. I'd venture to guess that you need something that was making at least 400hp to see any meaningful gains in lap time.
I do think it's great that real world numbers were included so one can make an informed decision on whether or not it's worth it.
For 20 years I worked for a manufacturer of (mostly GM) OEM transmission gears and sprockets and almost everything got the REM treatment as a standard part of the manufacturing process.
When a part would fall off the fixture it would float around in the media until you discovered it, and it would come out looking like it had been chromed.
In reply to Tom1200 :
but isn't polishing meant to add reliability?
For a low power car I imagine it's the shifting parts that get worn out more than the gears.
In reply to Tom1200 :Had a friend years ago who campaigned an H Production Bugeye Sprite. One time, for grins, he adjusted the valves using a dial gauge instead of feeler gauges. He gained an extra 100 rpm or two!
In reply to j_tso :Drag racers did this years ago for just that reason: the smoother surface reduced potential stress risers. They even polished valve springs.
j_tso said:In reply to Tom1200 :
but isn't polishing meant to add reliability?
For a low power car I imagine it's the shifting parts that get worn out more than the gears.
So for my Datsun 1200 here is the issue:
The 56 series gearboxes are not up to the task for racing. The gearboxes simply weren't designed for 80% power increases. REM polishing won't fix that.
The better solution from a reliability standpoint it to use the a stronger gearbox; there is a stronger gearbox that bolts right up.
As for the shifting parts they only thing that wears out are the syncros.
So can someone explain what the "REM" in "REM Polishing" is? I'm pretty sure they don't have Michael Stipe and Bill Berry working on the polishing... :)
In reply to codrus (Forum Supporter) :
The over simplified explanation:
Isotropic Surface Finishing / super polishing to reduce friction as well as eliminate and potential stress risers.
From memory REM is a trademarked name for the chemicals used.
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