Been following all of the discusssion re overdrives, 5th gears, etc. Have
had my STOCK TD since 1972, and had one befor that that I got in 1961. It
was totally stock also. Had a "high speed" rear end in the present car for
several years until it brook a tooth so I went back to the stock unit.
Can't say that the high speed version really made that much difference
At this point I am in no hurry to get anywhere. We take our time, enjoy
the scenery and make 250 to 300 miles per day max. More fun that way
Lee Streepey TD 25368EXLNA
Andrew Moyce wrote:
> I have followed the discussions about overdrives and 5-speeds with
> interest.
> My TD has a TF (1:4.875) rear end which matches nicely with the rebuilt
> and ported engine. I feel the car is at peace with itself until I get up
> above 50 mph, where I find myself reaching for a 5th gear.
> The standard solution is to "upgrade" to a 4.55 or 4.3 MGA rear end . .
> . not an uncomplicated or inexpensive proposition and with some
> compromise in low gear performance (the exent of the compromise varies
> in description from mild to significant.)
> Another solution is to change to a Datsun B-210 5-speed transmission,
> which I assume has an overdrive 5th gear. Again not inexpensive (about
> $1800) and with some philosophical drawbacks as to originality and
> honoring the Mark and all that.
> There is an outfit that makes overdrive units that are designed for
> interposing into a split driveshaft in any vehicle . . . cost about
> $1500 and concerns over whether there is room along the T car's drive
> train to accomodate the unit.
> There were some postings on the UK web site a few months back about an
> Austin Healy overdrive unit modified to fit a TD, but it hadn't been
> installed yet.
> Somewhere out there there has to be an add-on overdrive unit that we
> could adapt to the T cars . . . possibly mounted at the rear of the
> drive shaft under the storage area.
> Until I find such a thing, I am inclined to stay where I am, enjoying
> the low gear performance. I take comfort in the DuBois' experience with
> high rev motoring. I think that's how these cars were designed.
>
> Andy Moyce
> Oakland, CA
> 52 TD
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