If you could only do one... $$$

[Art Newland]

Mitchell over-drive or syncro transmission? Both of these upgrades are similarly priced. Which provides the better overall driving experience? Both of these could lend its self to safer operation while sharing the road with modern cars.

[31 Model A]

Originally Posted by Art Newland

Mitchell over-drive or syncro transmission? Both of these upgrades are similarly priced. Which provides the better overall driving experience? Both of these could lend its self to safer operation while sharing the road with modern cars.

I asked the same question to Larry Shepard.....overdrive was his answer if keeping up with the Jones on a highway/interstate. Lot's of city stop and go, syncro trans.

[Hoogah]

I've only got the overdrive and love my choice because it preserves the 1928 driving experience in terms of gear changing, while taking the pressure off when I look in my rear view mirror for other cars that might be itching to pass. I like this difference between our cars and those with more modern gearboxes. I never intend to get the synchro.

[msmaron]

Overdrive, Had the same choice to make and made it right i believe

[Synchro909]

I have a car with both synchro gearbox and O/D. Love it! I also have a couple with O/D and standard g/box. I think if I could have only one, that is what I would do. The big gap between 2nd and 3rd in the standard coghouse can be dealt with by using high 2nd and I've mastered the art of changing both with the one action. I might have to relearn that when I put a cable shift on the O/D.

[31 Model A]

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Originally Posted by Synchro909

I have a car with both synchro gearbox and O/D. Love it! I also have a couple with O/D and standard g/box. I think if I could have only one, that is what I would do. The big gap between 2nd and 3rd in the standard coghouse can be dealt with by using high 2nd and I've mastered the art of changing both with the one action. I might have to relearn that when I put a cable shift on the O/D.

Someone is making an overdrive without that cable shift. Can't remember who but came across it last summer.

[msmaron]

Originally Posted by 31 Model A

Someone is making an overdrive without that cable shift. Can't remember who but came across it last summer.

cable shift, that is old school. Mitchell is the only way to go 6 gear syncro

[31 Model A]

Originally Posted by msmaron

cable shift, that is old school. Mitchell is the only way to go 6 gear syncro

My decision which to install this winter was made for me. Neither!!! I had decided to have Larry install the syncro trans. I take two lane secondary roads always and I'm in no hurry to get anywhere but, I had a shock go out so, new shocks and four new tires, since one showed a bubble and the others are cracking, is on the list this winter but next winter, I hope it to be the trans.

[CarlG]

For me, I weighed all the above options and ultimately settled for the Ford RTS 4-speed all synchro OD transmission. I have no regrets with that decision. YMMV. I have not driven either of the Mitchell options, so I have no real basis for comparison.

[Tom Endy]

The overdrive, without question. It provides for much better driving if you go on tours or drive your car great distances, especially on freeways. The only advantage I can see the synchronous transmission offers is the need not to double clutch. I don't have a problem double clutching I have driven a Model A so much I don't even think about it. I don't see it as being cost affective.

I have heard a number of guys comment that they installed the trans so that their wife can drive the car. That strikes me as somewhat demeaning. They are saying their wife is not cable of learning the simple procedure of double clutching.

Tom Endy

[Tom Wesenberg]

Overdrive, or at least for less money a 3.27 ring and pinion.

I think Carl has the best choice with his 4 speed Ford overdrive tranny.

[Dick Steinkamp]

It's not an "either/or" thing. Like Carl said, do the Ford RTS (F150) 4 speed OD. You get a full synchro trans AND an OD. You get to keep the enclosed drive line. You can also do it with an S10 T-5, but it's a more invasive project.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...5594&showall=1

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...4863&showall=1

I'll be at the Turlock, CA, swap meet the end of the month. There is a guy there that sells the conversion kit. I'll pick one up for you.

[Ted Duke]

Dick,
IS someone still doing these kits or supplying parts?

Ted

[Dick Steinkamp]

Originally Posted by Ted Duke

Dick,
IS someone still doing these kits or supplying parts?

Ted

The first time I saw an F150 kit was last year at the Turlock, CA swap meet (I didn't own an A then). I'll be there again this year and get his info. I was quite impressed with the quality and completeness of his kit, but I have no actual use experience nor do I know someone who has used his kit.

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by Dick Steinkamp

The first time I saw an F150 kit was last year at the Turlock, CA swap meet (I didn't own an A then). I'll be there again this year and get his info. I was quite impressed with the quality and completeness of his kit, but I have no actual use experience nor do I know someone who has used his kit.

I have his kit. Been using it for about 6 years now.

And, Yes, he is still making them. A couple guys in our club have bought and installed them within this past year.

[Ted Duke]

Originally Posted by Dick Steinkamp

The first time I saw an F150 kit was last year at the Turlock, CA swap meet (I didn't own an A then). I'll be there again this year and get his info. I was quite impressed with the quality and completeness of his kit, but I have no actual use experience nor do I know someone who has used his kit.

Thanks,

I would be interested in the information.

Ted

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by Ted Duke

Thanks,

I would be interested in the information.

Ted

His contact information in post #25 is still correct.

[31a]

I think the OD is the best choice, I have 3 with the OD and am happy with the setup.

[Art Newland]

Tom Endy, the syncro trans does have the advantage of better gear ratios too.

Do any of the Ford 4 speed conversions install without changing some other aspect of the car? Seems they all require at least modifying the torque tube and drive shaft.

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by Art Newland

...
Do any of the Ford 4 speed conversions install without changing some other aspect of the car? Seems they all require at least modifying the torque tube and drive shaft.

The "kit" that I installed is a completely bolt on kit. The kit does include a shortened (~1.5") drive shaft, torque tube, and radius rods that replaced the stock parts. No modification to the frame or cross members is required. The wooden floorboard does have to be altered slightly as the shift lever is moved aft that same 1.5". I still have all of the original parts if the process ever wants to be reversed.

FYI: The Mitchel OD also requires altering the drive shaft and torque tube. (also included in their kit)

Originally Posted by 3.6rs

And if I may ask ; what prices are we talking here ?

It's been about 6+ years since I priced the various systems, but at that time both the Mitchell Synchro tranny/OD combo and the Ford RTS 4-speed OD were essentially the same price, both around $3K. Prices on either of these may have gone up in the meantime.