Max power through standard drivetrain?

[dunketh]

Just wandering out loud.. I'm not planning any mods.

What is the maximum power you can run through the standard clutch, box, prop and diff?

Main reason for asking is you can buy uprated shafts but seemingly not a lot else. I assume you can get hi-spec clutches but that do you do wrt the diff, prop & box?
Is there a 'reasonable' upper limit? Are any of you running 'big' power through standard bits?

Obviouly you can swap the axle and shaft and even box for a different setup, like escort mk1/2 etc.. but thats 'cheating'

[Willie]

The weak link is the half shafts mainly due to their great age by now since they were strong enough to be used in the Riley 1.5 axles originally.

[bmcecosse]

It's sudden load that breaks the shafts - after many years of general abuse. Standard parts should handle 1275 engine with reasonable mods (not 100 bhp race tune unit) ok provided you are not doing drag racing starts all the time. Otherwise - folks seem to upgrade to Ford g/box and rear axle.

[Cam]

If pushed for a BHP figure, I'd say around 70-75 perhaps

[bmcecosse]

It's more likely to be hard start on 'lock' - pulling away from a T junction, that sort of thing - where the car is difficult to move and all the power is being forced through one shaft - and if the axle then 'tramps' that increases the loading enormously. If you want it bullet proof - change to a heavier axle.