The Ford Barn - View Single Post

rjlester · 01-29-2023, 11:36 PM

When I got my 54 Meteor running (with a Canadian flathead 255) in summer of 2021, I drove it all over with the factory 3 on the tree and 3.55 rear gears. It would easily do 60mph, even 70mph, but at 70 I felt it was just revving too high.

I've since installed a factory borg warner overdrive, and I will never go back to the 3 speed. I can easily do 70 and I've even cruised at 80mph. The fuel economy gets worse at 80 but at 60 to 70, I got 21 Imperial MPG! Took a 1600 mile road trip with that transmission and it's amazing.

I know not everyone would be as lucky as I was to source out an overdrive, but with the factory setup, I just didn't feel right driving long distances at 65+.

01-29-2023, 11:36 PM	#18
rjlester Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2022 Posts: 247	Re: Driving on the freeway When I got my 54 Meteor running (with a Canadian flathead 255) in summer of 2021, I drove it all over with the factory 3 on the tree and 3.55 rear gears. It would easily do 60mph, even 70mph, but at 70 I felt it was just revving too high. I've since installed a factory borg warner overdrive, and I will never go back to the 3 speed. I can easily do 70 and I've even cruised at 80mph. The fuel economy gets worse at 80 but at 60 to 70, I got 21 Imperial MPG! Took a 1600 mile road trip with that transmission and it's amazing. I know not everyone would be as lucky as I was to source out an overdrive, but with the factory setup, I just didn't feel right driving long distances at 65+.