Brinn
- by Jim Luikens
Brinn Incorporated was established in 1988 by Herb Brinn. Their first product was a revolutionary transmission for oval track use. That transmission was designed during the spring and summer of 1989 and on-track testing began in the spring of 1990. Multiple transmissions were tested for the entire 1990 season before production began in the fall of 1990 for the 1991 racing season.
The original Brinn transmission became known as the most reliable, highest quality, best performing transmission for short oval track racing on dirt or asphalt. It was, and is still, a lightweight, direct drive transmission featuring the lowest rotating weight and moment of inertia available of any transmission on the market. It is available with a magnesium or aluminum case. Both versions also feature gun-drilled input and output shafts, a superior dogclutch providing the most durability and smoothest shifting available. With the same overall length and output spline as a Muncie or Borg-Warner transmission, installation is a snap.
One of the most important features of the Brinn transmission is that the reverse idler and low speed gear are NOT engaged in direct drive as it is with other direct drive transmissions. Other direct drive transmissions engage the reverse idler or low speed gear which increases rotating weight and likewise decreases power. Brinn has displayed its superiority compared to other direct drive transmission by eliminating this extra rotating weight and loss of power by not engaging the reverse idler and low speed gear when in direct drive.
Complimenting its widely accepted transmission, Brinn offers an optional lightweight 8 lb. magnesium bellhousing. To allow rear mounting of oil, fuel and power steering pumps, it features an integral dry sump pump mount. The bellhousing assembly includes the housing and idler gear assembly. Flywheels are also available and are sold separately. A magnesium bellhousing is currently available for Chevy and Ford applications with a Chrysler version coming soon.
Brinn offers both a steel and an aluminum flywheel. Their ultra-light aluminum flywheel assembly weighs only 2.5 lbs. and provides the lightest rotating weight available on the market. Both the aluminum and steel 6.5" diameter flywheels include a starter ring, oil pump drive and 1-3/8" x 10 transmission drive spline. A supplied and installed idler gear is used between the starter and flywheel for achieving the proper starting speed and power.
With a decade of experience and success under his belt, Herb began to design an all new transmission. His goal was to take even more weight out of the rotating assembly and to provide even more ground clearance.
After two years of track testing the 2nd generation Pro-Series Brinn transmission was displayed in the Brinn booth at this year's PRI show in Indianapolis. Initial customer deliveries began January 2, 2002.
Brinn Incorporated conducts a continuous on-track testing program in order to collect data which is then used to make any necessary improvements allowing Brinn to continue to offer the highest quality, best possible product available to the racer.