Mitchell overdrive: 26% vs. 36%
 

I'm beginning the overhaul (rebuild) of my '29 150A (station wagon) chassis and have decided to install a Mitchell OD. The 36% version has been recommended to me. Any input as to this choice versus the 26% version would be appreciated.
Thanks for any comments.

Re: Mitchell overdrive: 26% vs. 36%
 

I got 378s in the rear, and a Mitchel but I don't know what percentage

Re: Mitchell overdrive: 26% vs. 36%
 

I think you would be very happy with the 26%. I have 31 tudor with 3:27 , 26.7 Mitchell, inserted 65 hp motor, v8 pressure plate, 30 # off flywheel, web carb, brum 5.9 head, would not change anything except maybe 7.0 brum if it ever became ava. I can still take off from stop sign in 2nd gear just like she was still stock, with 2 people just a little touch more of throttle needs to be used. This is the way I wanted it to run. Loaned my car to X CUP GREAT RACE in 2003 , kids covered about 4500 miles and had 1 flat tire during motel time, they got 2nd place. Ken Davis the air condition man and his kids beat us out for first place. I would say get the 26% for your car, I run 62-65 most the time because I live next to I 10 interstate hiway. Have fun modelAtony tony white Lafayette,LA

Re: Mitchell overdrive: 26% vs. 36%
 

I have 3.78 rear and 26% is plenty of OD.

Re: Mitchell overdrive: 26% vs. 36%
 

I also have the standard Mitchell with 26%, and I think it is perfect for almost all uses. Anything much more than that is going to be too tall for some uses. As mine is, I cruise on the freeway at 60-65 mph very comfortably, and I still have my normal Model A gearing for around town. If you ever drive in hill country, 2nd OD is very useful too. I love my Mitchell and would not have a Model A without one.....

Re: Mitchell overdrive: 26% vs. 36%
 

I have a 150B with a 36% borg warner in it and a 3:78 rear axle. That's way too tall. It came that way, I would never have done it. I can only use it on a downhill run or on the flats with the wind at my back at 65-70 mph, which is too fast. Any slower and the engine lugs. It is a good second gear hill climbing gear though. I think it would be better with a 4:11 rear end. OTOH, I have a 26% with a 3:78 in my SW sedan , which weighs only 50 lbs less than the woodie, and its great.

Re: Mitchell overdrive: 26% vs. 36%
 

if you put a 36% in a model a it'll fall flat on it's face when put into overdrive. Most people use 26% for a reason. It's perfect for a model a

Re: Mitchell overdrive: 26% vs. 36%
 

I would absolutely NOT put a 36% in.... the 3.78 with the 26% is the way to go. If you really feel you want a ittle more I would go with a 3.54 which would give you a little more speed out of overdrive for general driving and then you have the 26% overdrive then as an option. Whoever recommended the 36% doesn't have enough experience with the engines and their power curve... at least for generally stock cars.

I Snyder H/C would be a good companion as well.

Larry S.

Re: Mitchell overdrive: 26% vs. 36%
 

I have a 4:11 rear end with 36% Borg Warner and it's perfect. If you have a 3:54 or 3:78, and not a "built" engine, the 36% is too tall to have much use.

Re: Mitchell overdrive: 26% vs. 36%
 

One nice thing about my 26% Mitchell is if I forget and come to a stop in "high range", the car will take-off quite smartly and I don't wake up until I hit high gear and realize then that I might want to take it out of high range!

Re: Mitchell overdrive: 26% vs. 36%
 

Thanks Barners for the input on the Mitchell OD. Your info will help me make my choice