Standard Install Larger Engine in ltlas 10 12-cwt. Van

23rd September 1960, Page 132

23rd September 1960

Page 132

Page 133

Page 132, 23rd September 1960 — Standard Install Larger Engine in ltlas 10 12-cwt. Van

Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

FROM today the Standard Atlas 10-12-cwt, van and pick-up are available with a 1.670-litre four-cylindered petrol engine as an option to the original 948 c.c. unit. The larger engine, which is the wet-linered overhead-valve type from the Ensign car, is accompanied by altered gearbox and rear-axle ratios.

Otherwise the Atlas, known in this form as the Major, is unchanged and has the same payload rating as the less powerful models. At E520 for the basic van and £510 for the pick-up, the Atlas Major costs £45 more than the two preceding types.

The new engine has net outputs of 50.5 b.h.p. at 4,000 r.p.m, and 84 lb.-ft. torque at 2,100 r.p.m whereas the 948 c.c. unit produces 35 b.h.p. at 4,500 r.p.m. With a bore of 2.992 in. and a 3.622 in. stroke, the engine incorporates those features which have given the Vanguard car engine a reputation for reliability and long life,

In place of the 61-in.-diameter clutch on the existing models, an 8-in.-diameter unit is fitted. The gearbox, which has synchromesh on the upper three gears, has ratios of 3.54, 2.1, 1.39 and 1 to 1 forward with a 4.55 to 1 reverse gear. Apart from top gear all ratios are higher than those employed for the lowerpowered Atlas. The change in rear-axle ratio has raised the maximum speed by approximately 10 m.p.h. to 62 m.p.h.

The modified gearbox is provided with

a new change-speed mechanism. Whereas the original . vehicle has a long, cranked gear-lever mounted directly on the gearbox turret, the 'Atlas Major gearbox is actuated by a floor-mounted lever through a remote-control linkage. The lever pivot is well forward on the driver's toeboard and the lever itself is cranked backwards so that it's tip lies close to the steering wheel. Thus it does not seriously obstruct access to the driver's seat from the near side.

There can be little doubt that the incorporation of the larger engine was planned even before the Atlas was originally produced. A feature of the earlier models is the amount of space around the power unit. This clearance allows the larger engine to be introduced without alteration to the surrounding panelling.

The Atlas Major van weighs I ton 14 cwt. unladen without fuel, oil or water, which is some 21 cwt. more than the original model. However,

the maximum permissible gross weight has been increased to l ton 17# cwt. which offsets this.