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[C2] Speedometer Problem

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Old Mar 13, 2018 | 06:38 AM
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Default Speedometer Problem

The speedo on my 65 is 5mph too slow. Running a 22 tooth so need either a 21 or 20. But, in my research, they only make a 22, 23, & 24 in a large gear which I need. Why I don’t know, doesn’t make sense. Why would a manufacturer make two different sets of worm gears, a large and a small? And, if I’m correct, Borg-Warner did it and so did Muncie. Is it because of the seemingly endless combinations of axle ratios and tire sizes?
Other than reworking my tranny or speedo, is a ratio adapter my only option, and, if so, where can I get one that fits my car?

Last edited by 59BlueSilver; Mar 13, 2018 at 06:39 AM.
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Old Mar 13, 2018 | 08:13 AM
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It's primarily the diameter change required on the driven gear as the number of teeth changes. As the number of teeth gets less, at some point they have to reduce the gear diameter to maintain tooth width and that requires a different spiral drive gear to compensate. Mopar dealt with this a little differently by using an offset speedometer drive housing that is rotated to different points to vary the distance of the driven gear center, to the spiral drive gear to compensate. Just two different approaches.

I think you may have to go to an adaptor but maybe someone else has another idea short of pulling the transmission tailhousing and replacing the drive gear.
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Old Mar 13, 2018 | 09:49 AM
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Originally Posted by 59BlueSilver
The speedo on my 65 is 5mph too slow. Running a 22 tooth so need either a 21 or 20. But, in my research, they only make a 22, 23, & 24 in a large gear which I need. Why I don’t know, doesn’t make sense. Why would a manufacturer make two different sets of worm gears, a large and a small? And, if I’m correct, Borg-Warner did it and so did Muncie. Is it because of the seemingly endless combinations of axle ratios and tire sizes?
Other than reworking my tranny or speedo, is a ratio adapter my only option, and, if so, where can I get one that fits my car?
Just in case you have not considered your axle ratio and tire size:

http://www.stl-vettes.com/65vette/gearcalc.htm
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Old Mar 13, 2018 | 10:03 AM
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Originally Posted by R66
Just in case you have not considered your axle ratio and tire size:

http://www.stl-vettes.com/65vette/gearcalc.htm
Yes, I have it, but again, that’s based on the small nylon gear.
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Old Mar 13, 2018 | 10:05 AM
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Originally Posted by DansYellow66
It's primarily the diameter change required on the driven gear as the number of teeth changes. As the number of teeth gets less, at some point they have to reduce the gear diameter to maintain tooth width and that requires a different spiral drive gear to compensate. Mopar dealt with this a little differently by using an offset speedometer drive housing that is rotated to different points to vary the distance of the driven gear center, to the spiral drive gear to compensate. Just two different approaches.

I think you may have to go to an adaptor but maybe someone else has another idea short of pulling the transmission tailhousing and replacing the drive gear.
Yeah,that makes sense. I’m having trouble finding the adapter. Not sold by the repros?
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Old Mar 13, 2018 | 10:59 AM
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Is your transmission the original?
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Old Mar 13, 2018 | 11:01 AM
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Originally Posted by davekp78
Is your transmission the original?
No, it came out of a 67 Vette
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Old Mar 13, 2018 | 11:06 AM
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I went all through this with my '56. Anyway, my notes say the GM part number is3860343 for a large 20 tooth. It's blue.
Edit: I did a few quick searches and it looks like it is unobtanium.

Last edited by davekp78; Mar 13, 2018 at 11:41 AM.
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Old Mar 13, 2018 | 08:24 PM
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Originally Posted by davekp78
I went all through this with my '56. Anyway, my notes say the GM part number is3860343 for a large 20 tooth. It's blue.
Edit: I did a few quick searches and it looks like it is unobtanium.
Yes, I agree, that looks like the correct part number I need. Thanks much! Now to find it!
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Old Mar 13, 2018 | 08:36 PM
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Originally Posted by 59BlueSilver
Yes, I agree, that looks like the correct part number I need. Thanks much! Now to find it!
I don't know anything about this company, but it might be worth $13.05 including shipping to try.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1961-and-Up...FUN~hl&vxp=mtr
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Old Mar 13, 2018 | 09:55 PM
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Originally Posted by 65GGvert
I don't know anything about this company, but it might be worth $13.05 including shipping to try.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1961-and-Up...FUN~hl&vxp=mtr
Yeah, but he says it’s both part #’s, 3860343 & 3987920. The latter is 20mm (too small) and the former is 22.1mm which I need.
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