overdrive transmissions

[James Meyers]

what is the most practical way to go ?

[CarlG]

As the old poem goes:

Pease porridge hot, pease porridge cold,
Pease porridge in the pot, nine days old;
Some like it hot, some like it cold,
Some like it in the pot, nine days old.

My personal preference is the Ford Tremec RTS 4-speed transmission where 4th gear is OD.
Others will tell you that Mitchel gear splitter is the only way to go.

You pays your money (and you takes your choice).

[AL in NY]

IMHO, the Tremec F150 4spd w/OD syncro transmission is better then the Mitchell because you don't have to shift at particular RPMs to change gears. If you need extra speed in 1st or 2nd gear because of an incline or other load, you can shift at whatever speed/rpm you need to so you can maintain your speed in the next higher gear. Also, when driving in town at low speeds it's easier to downshift when cornering. And after installation no one will know it's not the original transmission because you haven't altered the appearance of the vehicle. The Mitchell is easily seen from the rear of the vehicle and takes away from the antique look. The one advantage I see that the Mitchell has that the F150 doesn't, is that you can gearsplit and essentially have 6 different gear ratios available.

[Gold Digger]

A question for CarlG. What kind of adaptions have to be made on the Ford Termec RTS 4 speed to install in an A. Does the cross member have to be altered and what about the peddles? Does anyone sell this ready to install.

[CarlG]

I bought mine as a complete kit, all the adaptations made. The cross member does NOT have to be altered, pedal mounts came in the kit.

PM sent.

[Tom Wesenberg]

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I couldn't decide which one to choose, so I bought a factory overdrive.

Actually I think I'd go with a third choice, and buy the 3.27 ring and pinion.

[eagle]

What about the Mitchell sychro higher gear ratio in a std model A case transmission? Looks totally stock, 15% higher top end. Mac's has them for $2225. Its a lot of money, maybe some other option are cheaper?

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by eagle

What about the Mitchell sychro higher gear ratio in a std model A case transmission? Looks totally stock, 15% higher top end. Mac's has them for $2225. Its a lot of money, maybe some other option are cheaper?

Top gear in the Mitchell transmission is exactly the same as the stock Model A transmission. Only first and second gear get the 15% treatment. You do get synchromesh in gears 2&3.

[eagle]

Originally Posted by CarlG

Top gear in the Mitchell transmission is exactly the same as the stock Model A transmission. Only first and second gear get the 15% treatment. You do get synchromesh in gears 2&3.

Looking at the Mac's catalog right now, it says the TOP two gears are cut 15% higher. Maybe printed wrong? If I had ordered a tranny advertised as having a higher gear ratio and it came without, I wouldn't be happy!

[CarlG]

Here's what it says in Snyder's on-line catalog:

The Mitchell Transmission is a new modern transmission in an original Model A case featuring new gears, shafts,bearings, shift rail, shift forks, spring detents, 'o' rings on bottom shafts and new bearings sealing both sides on front and rear main shafts. The big benefit of the Model A Mitchell transmission is that 2nd and 3rd gears are synchronized for easier shifting. These are geared with reverse, first and second 15% higher than stock gears.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by James Meyers

what is the most practical way to go ?

Welcome to the barn!!

Your question is loaded. It's like asking which car should I buy?

Practical in ease of installation?

Practical in ease of pocket book?

Synco non syncro?

What is your desired goal, what do you wish to accomplish?

[Mike V. Florida]

Here is the Mitchell Manufacturing site.

http://www.mitchelloverdrivemfg.com/our-products/

[1929]

Originally Posted by eagle

What about the Mitchell sychro higher gear ratio in a std model A case transmission? Looks totally stock, 15% higher top end. Mac's has them for $2225. Its a lot of money, maybe some other option are cheaper?

get it directly from Mitchell, I think you will save about $200 or more.

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

Here is the Mitchell Manufacturing site.

http://www.mitchelloverdrivemfg.com/our-products/

Looks like their web site is still "under construction". Their description of their synchromesh transmission is the same as their overdrive.

Glad to see that they finally have a web site.

[V4F]

I like my t-5 just fine ............. steve

[JtownJoe]

If you drive your A, a lot, the F150 is very driver friendly (really makes a difference in engine & tranny noise level at highway speeds 45/60 mph) and not only looks stock but can be returned to stock if the original parts are kept. You also could probably recoup most of your investment in resale on the car or by selling the F-150 kit on its own. Only disadvantage is 1st & 2nd gears are still a little low on the stock rear end.

[AL in NY]

The gear ratios for both 1st and 2nd in both the Model A transmission and the F150 are virtually the same.

[JtownJoe]

Yes, good point, Al. I may not have been clear enough in my post. I meant to say that they are still, geared a little low in 1st & 2nd, as is in the original A tranny as compared to using the higher ratio rear end!

[Ray64]

Nice Car TOM.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by Ray64

Nice Car TOM.

Thanks Ray. Just like Ford built a quality car in the Model A, Studebaker also built very quality cars, and as often has been stated, they were ahead of their time. Too bad labor strikes and poor management during the last 10 years caused the demise of Studebaker.