Mitchell synchromesh modified transmission

[1929]

is Mitchell the only one who makes or has the best synchromesh tranny out there?

[Anteek29]

I have read where some Model A's have Chevy S-10 trannys installed in them?

[Chris Haynes]

Originally Posted by Anteek29

I have read where some Model A's have Chevy S-10 trannys installed in them?

Then you are becoming a street rod and not a model A.

[Ed Pitts]

You can use a 1939 Ford transmission.

[1929]

I had a 1939 ford standard, the tranny operated the same as the model a.

[Brendan]

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Originally Posted by 1929

I had a 1939 ford standard, the tranny operated the same as the model a.

what? how do you figure?

[Brendan]

Originally Posted by 1929

I had a 1939 ford standard, the tranny operated the same as the model a.

I have a 36 pickup, and the trans operates a lot different then my A

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by Brendan

I have a 36 pickup, and the trans operates a lot different then my A

Yes, in some ways you are very correct however most people don't think about why they are different. The Model-A engine is a slow RPM engine that does not need to be "revved" thru the gears. The flathead V-8 does not make any power/torque at low RPM and therefore the engine RPM must be higher in each gear to compensate. That is where the dogs or synchros play in. A Model-A engine that is within factory specifications does not need to have a synchromesh transmission because the shift speeds are 5 & 15 mph. Even downshifting is not difficult for those who use those speeds as a guide.

In reality, a person will spend less money on completely rebuilding a stock transmission, -and then adding a Stipe IB330 cam and a high-compression head which will have better drive-ability than what they will spend purchasing a new Mitchell synco-ed transmission. On the other hand, some folks old incorrect driving habits are tough to break!

[1929]

sorry, I meant the ease of the shifting Brenan

[Patrick L.]

I like the idea of having a tad higher first and second but am not concerned about the transmitter being circumcised. So I'm not sure the extra expense of the Mitchell or the Cling adapter is worth it. Learning how to work an old transmitter is part of the fun of these old monsters, in my humble opinion.

[1929]

I will just rebuild what I have, I cant justify spending over $1,800 on the Mitchell, they wont sell you the parts, they said machine work has to be done so you have to send it to them.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by 1929

I will just rebuild what I have, I cant justify spending over $1,800 on the Mitchell, they wont sell you the parts, they said machine work has to be done so you have to send it to them.

There is machine work involved. The majority of money is likely spent on their machining of the gears and making the parts. When you look inside of a Mitchell, you can easily spot what all is different.

[Charlie Stephens]

Originally Posted by 1929

I had a 1939 ford standard, the tranny operated the same as the model a.

Either you had a 4 speed truck transmission or you transmission needed major work.

Charlie Stephens

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by 1929

I will just rebuild what I have, I cant justify spending over $1,800 on the Mitchell, they wont sell you the parts, they said machine work has to be done so you have to send it to them.

I would spend less than that on a Snyder's 5.5 head and a 3.27 ring and pinion. Then you will have a nice cruiser for driving 45 to 55 MPH without racing the engine.

[1929]

Id like to get that 5.5 head, I heard if you go higher then that to make sure the engine is in good shape.