Hitchcocks Forum

Canada calling. I purchased a basket case 1959 Constellation, and the engine is nearly completed. I am now looking into the gearbox and gearing. The basket case came with a new 33 tooth engine sprocket and new 20 gearbox sprocket. Standard clutch drum and rear wheel teeth count. Can anyone tell me how the 33 will be for regular riding. Thanks for your help.

The engine sprocket won't make much difference to road gearing but will affect the kickstart speed. Connies changed engine sprocket gearing about this time to speed up the engine rotation on the kickstart to help the magneto generate a healthy spark. (I could look up the numbers later.) If you are using an authentic magneto you'll need to consider this, if you're using a distributor or modern electronic magneto replacement it won't matter!

REgards, Mark

Thanks Mark, with knees that need as much help as they can get this is an important consideration. The mag is reconditioned (new armature etc.) but I will have to bite the bullet and get the recommended sprocket.

Tony

Good luck,let us know how it goes, I have a 59 Connie in the project queue as well, this is the one fitted with the TT carb!

REgards, Mark

I have a TT carb as well, mostly complete, there is a company in Oregon that bores and sleeves carbs, and they do TT's as well. But gearbox and clutch first!! I thank goodness for the Hitchcock's Parts Books Online as it has been my saviour on many occasions in the engine rebuild. Better than watching t.v. Tony

HI, if fitted with 33t sprocket you need 18t gearbox or 29t x 20t the latter will speed up the engine on starting. Vince

Vince has helpfully (thanks,) listed the two sprocket combinations which are standard, 33/18 is coil ignition Super Meteor and magneto Connie is 29/20. Personally I think you can gear up by one tooth on the gearbox as the original ratios are quite low. This is what I do on my Twins.

REgards, Mark

I run 29x21t giving top gear of 4.2 with this engine's amount of grunt it never feels overgeared. It's pulled 6000rpm in top sitting upright and I can't complain at that. The thing I like is no vibration, so parts dont drop off like the triumphs I use to work on!

I run 29x21t giving top gear of 4.2 with this engine's amount of grunt it never feels overgeared. It's pulled 6000rpm in top sitting upright and I can't complain at that. The thing I like is no vibration, so parts dont drop off like the triumphs I use to work on!

I run 29x21t giving top gear of 4.2 with this engine's amount of grunt it never feels overgeared. It's pulled 6000rpm in top sitting upright and I can't complain at that. The thing I like is no vibration, so parts dont drop off like the triumphs I use to work on!