BEC - Electrical Reverse

[originalgeezer]

I am running a Mega Busa with a Westfield Reverse Gearbox at present and wondered about the pro’s and con’s of doing so. At present, besides the biggest Pro of being able to propel the car backwards of course, there are many negatives, extra weight and transmission power loss being two of.

Wishing to still have the ability to propel the car backwards, without needing for myself to get out of the car and push, has anyone converted to using an Electrical Reverse as Z Cars use on their Mini conversions and if so, what thoughts, issues has it presented and just general feedback on opinions would be grateful.

Also, is there a Market for a second hand Westfield Reverse Box as if I do convert to an Electrical Reverse I would have a spare one which would be of no use? If I couldn’t be able to sell the Westfield Reverse Box I am not sure I can justify in my own mind the expense against the gain of going for an Electrical Reverse.

Views?

[craig-c]

Morning,

I have been running my Busa without a reverse box now for about 6 month's and have not needed to use the reverse, i just make sure that i can get out of wherever i may be going, most of the time you will not leave the car alone anyway, or when you go to shows/meets you jst ask the people around you to give you a push and just tell them you have no reverse, i have saved weight and the car is has even moor torque now, not that it needs it of course, i sold my reverse box on here about a year ago for i think was £450 with props, then went for the Morris&Bailey conversion with centre bearing, which cost me £300 ish cannot remember the amount.

Just ditch the revese and do without it, my opinion anyway.

Regards,

Craig

[cast iron]

There is definitely a market for reverse boxes as it is compulsory for speed events

Slip n Bob have an electric system on their Blade, works a treat, uses a starter motor and a toothed disc on the front of the propshaft near the engine  

[originalgeezer]

My need to have some form of reverse is further supported by having a garage at the end of a narrow, longish driveway that goes out on to the road, not somewhere i wish to be pushing the car out onto on my own.......

Is anyone else aware of anyone commercially offering a set up other than Z Cars?

[samcooke]

Kit Car Workshop were one of the pioneers of leccy reverses, saw a few Westys getting them there. They sold out to BGH, not sure if BGH are doing them : http://www.bghgeartech.co.uk/

[perksy]

Think i read somewhere that there's a way of using a Subaru starter motor as a Reverse motor  

[slippy]

There is definitely a market for reverse boxes as it is compulsory for speed events

Slip n Bob have an electric system on their Blade, works a treat, uses a starter motor and a toothed disc on the front of the propshaft near the engine  

What Cast Iron & Perksy said is true we are running one on our Blade and it works a treat

Alyupright is the builder of the car so I'm sure he will be along soon enough to share his words of wisdom  

[originalgeezer]

His words are awaited then guys...thanks.....getting curious as to why more people do not use the same method, with the weight save, power save etc....

[ChrisG]

Think i read somewhere that there's a way of using a Subaru starter motor as a Reverse motor  

The one on Slippy's car that AlYupright built is a Subaru starter motor, the reason he used it is because it turns the other way to a lot of starter motors, so could be mounted alongside the engine pointing backwards. The complication with this setup though is the ring gear / cush drive that Al used which I don't think you can get any more

Lots of pictures here and here, still the best 'leccy reverse Ive seen in action including "off the shelf" offerings from the kit manufacturers.