09-05-2019, 10:35 PM
I've an RL and a RP here. They are like chalk and cheese.
If on my own Id sooner drive the RL. I like the ratios on the 3 speed box more. 1st gear on the 4 speed box is essentially only a gear for steep hills. The RL also seems nippier, thought it could be simply an impression given by the fact that it is significantly noisier, its main drawback.
The RL is also not as good on steep hills. And I mean steep hills, not girly run of the mill stuff Last time I tried going up the road to Moel Famau from Llanbedr 3 up the b@stard baulked and wouldnt go. The RP with its lower 1st gear and lower axle ratio flies up even with more weight and 400's on the back.
The RP is modified also in that it has a H/C head (so that might help) and a similar aged 2-3-4 sync box. Also a low frame rubber mounted crankcase. The engine is harsher, but the gearbox silky smooth and quiet in comparison. For a long journey, particularly with the family (as it is my daughters car) this is usually the choice. On a nice day before the chummy was on the road the sunshine roof also was a plus point.
The braking system on the RP means it pulls up square. IMO not possible with the RL due to brake shaft flex.
The gravity fuel system on the RL is more reliable. The pump has let me down once on the RP. But a stuck needle valve on the RL resulting in petrol everywhere and rotting out the highway surfacing at the back of the house means i have a habit if turning it off if left unattended. This means i usually end up smelling if petrol most of the time.
I shall be smelling of petrol tomorrow. Off to work in the RL whike the modern is having its annual overhaul, aka the MOT
If on my own Id sooner drive the RL. I like the ratios on the 3 speed box more. 1st gear on the 4 speed box is essentially only a gear for steep hills. The RL also seems nippier, thought it could be simply an impression given by the fact that it is significantly noisier, its main drawback.
The RL is also not as good on steep hills. And I mean steep hills, not girly run of the mill stuff Last time I tried going up the road to Moel Famau from Llanbedr 3 up the b@stard baulked and wouldnt go. The RP with its lower 1st gear and lower axle ratio flies up even with more weight and 400's on the back.
The RP is modified also in that it has a H/C head (so that might help) and a similar aged 2-3-4 sync box. Also a low frame rubber mounted crankcase. The engine is harsher, but the gearbox silky smooth and quiet in comparison. For a long journey, particularly with the family (as it is my daughters car) this is usually the choice. On a nice day before the chummy was on the road the sunshine roof also was a plus point.
The braking system on the RP means it pulls up square. IMO not possible with the RL due to brake shaft flex.
The gravity fuel system on the RL is more reliable. The pump has let me down once on the RP. But a stuck needle valve on the RL resulting in petrol everywhere and rotting out the highway surfacing at the back of the house means i have a habit if turning it off if left unattended. This means i usually end up smelling if petrol most of the time.
I shall be smelling of petrol tomorrow. Off to work in the RL whike the modern is having its annual overhaul, aka the MOT