Daytime running lights ?

[Alec]

Hello BMCE,

is the 7 an 1850 or 2000 cc engine, I can't remember?

The Sprint engine has potential for 100 bhp per litre I'm told but how tractable at that level may be a point. Now that would be 'lively'

Alec

[bmcecosse]

2000cc Alec. The Sprint engine is the same basic block assembly - just some cut-outs in the pistons to avoid the valves. Push the engine beyond 150 bhp is just asking for trouble......... but I have no doubt it is 'possible' to get 200 - but the reliablity....... the obvious way forward - as SAAB did - is to turbo the thing!

[StaffsMoggie]

RIP Charles Spencer King.

The 16 valve version of the Triumph slant 4 was a fine engine, it was a shame the TR7 Sprint didn't make production, it was apparently cancelled due to the management being unhappy with the acceleration figures compared with the 8 valve engine, despite the Sprint being much more responsive once its run past 4000rpm.

Personally I would rather have the Sprint engine in a 7 than a V8.

[StaffsMoggie]

Back to day running lights, no they are a bad idea, the more vehicles with lights on during the daytime the less the headlight advantage of motorcyclists.

Bikes need to be as visible as possible.

[Ian46]

As you can see from my signature I am completing a kit car build at the moment. When the vehicle is finally completed it has to be submitted for a thorough inspection at a special VOSA test centre for a four hour Independant Approval Test (IVA) and if it passes recieves a Ministry Approval Certificate (MAC).

Currently the fitting of day running lights is an optional requirement, but the feeling is that all kit and component cars will be required to have them. I persanally did not want to fit them on an authentic looking AC Cobra replica. My excuse is that you will hear the car coming before you see it so no problem!

I used to scoff at Vovo owners running around with their headlights on all the time - that was until I bought an S60 D5 Sport myself. There were a number of occassions when cars starting to pull out of side roads did stop when thay saw the lights I am sure.

Eventually all cars will be fitted with them.

Oh and I also like the Audi (string of pearl) daytime lights. A real signature feature of the new range.

Regards Ian

[bmcecosse]

Obviously the string of pearls is a personal thing! What I can't find is any regulation telling me what the requirements are for these DRLs. Do you have any leads Ian ?? If you were to fit them - how would you know where/how bright etc they could be ? Some cars seem to have them v low down - down at 'Fog Lamp' level. And of course - the Cops are quick to react if they see someone using their Fog Lamps when it's not foggy. So - I'm trying to find out what the difference is between a Fog lamp and a DRL!!

[Ian46]

Morning Roy,

There is a 'bible' of rules for the building of kit cars and component vehicles issued by VOSA. I have tried to add the link below for the M1 rules for passenger cars.

If you look through the manual until you get to section dealing with lights there are diagrams, descriptions and heights defined for light locations and their operational requirements. Interestingly there doesn't appear to be a specific value for the brightness of daytime running lights.

http://online.businesslink.gov.uk/Trans ... Oct_09.pdf

Hope that helps.

Regards Ian

[Ian46]

The link I posted is for the whole VOSA inspection system, sorry.

The link for private passenger cars is hopefully below.

Regards Ian

http://www.transportoffice.gov.uk/crt/r ... r-Cars.pdf

[bmcecosse]

Thanks Ian - I will have a look through it.