Overdrive units
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 536
Likes: 0
From: Lutz FL
Overdrive units
Is there any sort of overdrive unit that is relatively inexpensive and mounts up easily with a muncie 4 speed? I don't want to go thru the expense and effort of a 5 or 6 speed conversion, but would like a lower highway cruising RPM (4.11 rear). I've seen the Gear Vendors setup, but it wouldn't be much cheaper (if not more expensive) than a 5 speed conversion..
Anyone know of any others?
Anyone know of any others?
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 683
Likes: 0
From: Calgary
Re: Overdrive units (Black68Vette)
Autogear sells a muncie m-22 gearset that has a overdrive 4th gear. They claim that it is a bit noisier than the regular 4th gear, though. You would have to by the whole gearset (probably $800.00 +).
My original link didn't work, I will try to find the right link.
Try http://www.autogear.net
[Modified by 74vetteman, 1:51 PM 4/6/2002]
[Modified by 74vetteman, 1:53 PM 4/6/2002]
My original link didn't work, I will try to find the right link.
Try http://www.autogear.net
[Modified by 74vetteman, 1:51 PM 4/6/2002]
[Modified by 74vetteman, 1:53 PM 4/6/2002]
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Re: Overdrive units (Black68Vette)
Considering the final overall costs, I can't see any other choice but a factory o/drive unit of auto or stick....and the simplicity of the overall install dictates this action....
even a ZF 6 speed is a simple install and looks cleaner than most other options...an automatic is easier yet by a fair margin...
too boot most of the options from add on companies offer less of an effective o/drive ratio than factory units...
.7 something for autos, and .5 for a 6 speed....
GENE
even a ZF 6 speed is a simple install and looks cleaner than most other options...an automatic is easier yet by a fair margin...
too boot most of the options from add on companies offer less of an effective o/drive ratio than factory units...
.7 something for autos, and .5 for a 6 speed....
GENE
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 7,562
Likes: 9
From: B'Ville NY
Cruise-In III Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05
Re: Overdrive units (Black68Vette)
This is a tough one. I love my vette and want to enjoy driving it as much as I can being that I live where driving time is limited throughout the year. If I lived in a warmer climate, an overdrive would be an even easy upgrade, because I could benefit from it all year long.
If the cost of the O/D tranny is too much at this time for you, I'd consider changing the rearend with a 3 series and maybe something like a 3.36 ratio until you can do the O/D. Keep the 4.11 rearend for the O/D when you get one. I had to bite the bullet and get a loan for my tranny, but it'll be worth it being that I'm driving my car all the way to BG Kentucky for the Cruise In. If I didn't have the O/D, I wouldn't even consider this. Also, if I were in the market looking for a C3, IMHO one with an O/D would be an attractive option :) .
If the cost of the O/D tranny is too much at this time for you, I'd consider changing the rearend with a 3 series and maybe something like a 3.36 ratio until you can do the O/D. Keep the 4.11 rearend for the O/D when you get one. I had to bite the bullet and get a loan for my tranny, but it'll be worth it being that I'm driving my car all the way to BG Kentucky for the Cruise In. If I didn't have the O/D, I wouldn't even consider this. Also, if I were in the market looking for a C3, IMHO one with an O/D would be an attractive option :) .
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,004
Likes: 2
From: Severna Park Md
Re: Overdrive units (Black68Vette)
Can you fit bigger meats on the back? Taller tires will reduce the the cruise rpm. I know, stupid answer. You would need really tall tires to get the 4.11 to comfortable cruise rpm. What say some 40" gumbo mudders. :lol: 4.11 4spd has gotta be fun from the hole though :cool:
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,812
Likes: 4
From: Gig Harbor Wa
Re: Overdrive units (Jvette73)
Some of the Baldwin Motion Supercars came with an overdrive unit that mated up somewhere in the driveline. I don't know much about them, but have seen them on ebay every now and then.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,043
Likes: 1
From: Elkhorn WI
Re: Overdrive units (70 LS1)
Some of the Baldwin Motion Supercars came with an overdrive unit that mated up somewhere in the driveline. I don't know much about them, but have seen them on ebay every now and then.
I had a Baldwin Motion Car book onetime, that had all the cars for each year they made...it was awesome and the paint scheme was amazing for its time on those cars... :cheers:
Pro
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 633
Likes: 1
From: Hamilton, ON, Canada
Re: Overdrive units (ylose)
Just consulted with my Motion Performance catalogue. They hade two overdrive units-one by Hone Manufacturing and one by Lawrence. The Hone unit attached behind the transmission and provided a 30% overdrive. The book says the Lawrence unit is a "differential mount" and could have been ordered with specific gear ratios giving overdrive or underdrive. Looks like both units required shortening the driveshaft.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,365
Likes: 5
From: Lake Villa IL
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Overdrive units (Black68Vette)
For the cost, I don't like the Gear Vendors setup. I'd go with a six-speed. The installation isn't that bad, and the payoff is incredible.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,043
Likes: 1
From: Elkhorn WI
Re: Overdrive units (Black68Vette)
yep the Hones were called "Hone-O-Drive "
some other info....
"Gear Vendors (still being built) unit that is built in England and used in trucks and motorhomes now"
wonder if we could find one in a junkyard and rip it out....hrm...
some other info....
"Gear Vendors (still being built) unit that is built in England and used in trucks and motorhomes now"
wonder if we could find one in a junkyard and rip it out....hrm...
