Update:
*Overdrive gears have been shipped to be heat-treated (induction hardened); I'm waiting the status / shipping date.
* Any BEC owners in the North/South Carolina? I'm looking for a tester immediately. I have a special incentive for the tester.
Over the past several days I've been thinking about the reverse unit and pricing once again. I developed a business model that supports a reasonable initial price-point and offer services that hopefully will make potential buyers happy in the long-term. So I will overview the
R-Falcon features and business model:
R-Falcon Features:
*1:1 Forward, 1:1.25 overdrive and reverse (dog-meshing for forward, overdrive is just gear-to-gear - doesn't support dynamic shifting on the fly)
*Aluminum bearing housings /w carbon-fiber/Kevlar cover
*Epoxy sealed unit - this guarantees no leaks after some unsuccessful attempts to use O-ring seal on the CF/Kevlar cover to the aluminum housings. Purchaser/owner will not be able to disassemble the unit due to the epoxy sealing which is further explained in my business model below.
* Supports up to 250hp/120 ft torque when using the Robinson Industries Heavy-Duty output shafts (28mm x 13 spline vs the oem 25mm x 13 spline) - I contacted Bill Robinson about becoming an authorized reseller of the heavy-duty output shaft and we're going to partner-up. The only issue is finding the prop adapter to match the bigger spline profile. They make the counter-sprocket for the bikes but I need to source the prop adapter - I may have a source in mind.
I recommend purchasing a resilient torque shaft for the front (engine to unit) to mitigate the BEC "clank" experience. I've driven my car with a FR2000 Eurotech box, my prototype and the R-Falcon; I still seem to have that experience occasionally regardless of the reversing unit.
Business Model:1. Buyers can purchase a new reverse unit for $1100.00. The units include everything necessary to integrate with the BEC car except for two prop flange adapters (separate purchase).
2. (Optionally) buyer may purchase a gearbox "rebuild kit" services $250.00 + shipping. This will allow the buyer to have the unit service rebuilt by us due to bearing wear or other issues. It kind of gives you a warranty/insurance. $250.00 will include:
Inspection of the unit
New bearings pressed in
New CF/Kevlar cover
New oil drain/fill bungs
New shift mount boss oil seal
Original shift mount boss will be retained
Original fill/drain bolts retained
Original internal shafts and gears are retained.
Original shift lever retained
Box is resealed, tested and shipped back to customer. Customer needs to retain original shipping box/crate.
I think this model is fair and is competitive in pricing with the "other" units out there. Again, the rebuild service is optional and can be purchased anytime, and it does allow one to extent the service life of the unit, protecting the initial $1100.00 investment. The "guarantee no leak" is the main directive behind the new business model
Finally, we will not offer refund/warranties on the unit (as other don’t offer due the nature the use) but we'll offer "No DOA (dead of arrive) time period" clause/terms of use.
Thanks,
Ryan