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Old 03-15-2019, 06:47 AM   #21
Smitty
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Default Re: Mitchell transmission or overdrive

I have been running a Mitchell Overdrive and 3:54 rear end gears in my coupe for a number of years. Great combo, recently had a Mitchell Transmission built but have not yet installed.
The overdrive/second is a sweet-spot for pulling hills where just second gear is too low.
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Old 03-15-2019, 07:50 AM   #22
jhowes
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Default Re: Mitchell transmission or overdrive

I have a 30's car because I enjoy traveling at 45 mph. If I wanted to go 60, then I would opt for a 50's car. I find that the 3.54 rear makes a nice drivable, near stock, car a pleasure to drive. Someone on here says that "speed is expensive, how fast do you want to go. I would add that speed kills when do you want to go. Jack
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Old 03-15-2019, 08:17 AM   #23
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Default Re: Mitchell transmission or overdrive

Updating a model a to compete with today's drivers and road conditions is a challenge.To prove the car is still viable by modifying the original components is my goal with one.In no way is this an indictment of the car in stock form,we are here due to its enduring beauty.Geographic location often determines if you can enjoy your car stock,or modified..rural folks can do just about anything at 45,city folks have different demands based on conditions.Modifiers are not hotrodders..
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Old 03-15-2019, 09:15 AM   #24
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Default Re: Mitchell transmission or overdrive

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Originally Posted by Railcarmover View Post
Updating a model a to compete with today's drivers and road conditions is a challenge.To prove the car is still viable by modifying the original components is my goal with one.In no way is this an indictment of the car in stock form,we are here due to its enduring beauty.Geographic location often determines if you can enjoy your car stock,or modified..rural folks can do just about anything at 45,city folks have different demands based on conditions.Modifiers are not hotrodders..
Exactly, in New York, no respect for the Model A on these roads.
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Old 03-15-2019, 04:48 PM   #25
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Default Re: Mitchell transmission or overdrive

Final drive standard is 3.78:1 and second gear about 7:1.

At some speed you will likely be out of the power band in either gear.
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Old 03-15-2019, 07:48 PM   #26
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Default Re: Mitchell transmission or overdrive

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Exactly, in New York, no respect for the Model A on these roads.
grew up in Islip,know all about that..out here you get the same stuff,now mixed with someone who is traveling 70 mph completely distracted by their phone
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Old 03-16-2019, 09:29 PM   #27
bill boz
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Default Re: Mitchell transmission or overdrive

Thank you all for your thoughtful responses they have given me a lot to think about. To the mix there is also the f150 4 speed conversion, it would be easy if there was only one choice. If I can ever come to a decision I’ll post the result.
Bill
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Old 03-16-2019, 11:54 PM   #28
mreman
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Default Re: Mitchell transmission or overdrive

I have a coupe with a B engine and trans with synchros and a Laycock Overdrive; It handals flat and hills very well; I also have a sedan .an A engine dn draft weber and high compression head and a Laycock Overdrive with a 39 trans . Both cars are fun easy drivers with 3.78 rear ends and 600-16 wheels.
Some diff from Mitchell, when you want to shift into OD you just flip a switch on your gearshift and the same dn shifting from OD to 3rd. No clutch is required and your thrust bearings are minimized for wear.
As for cons on the Laycock the biggest is you have to come out of OD before you put it in reverse or you can damage it. My Sedan with the 39 has a switch built on the Trans to cut out the OD when you put it into reverse; the Coupe does not have that feature.
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Old 03-18-2019, 10:32 PM   #29
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Default Re: Mitchell transmission or overdrive

I run a 6.1 with the Mitchell 26 % in my 4door works very well hills or flat would recommend I have 2 other A s with mitchells these are stock heads and work well also
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Old 03-24-2019, 10:45 AM   #30
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Default Re: Mitchell transmission or overdrive

The advantage with a Mitchell OD is not only a factor of speed but more importantly to smooth and quiet the motor. I found the Mitchell to be better balanced of the drive-line even when not traveling in overdrive. Also the motor does not "wind-up" so much when in OD, even at lower speeds. Quiets the motor and improves fuel economy.
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