TR2/3/3A Looking Into Overdrive Transmission

W

WiscTR

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• Apr 19, 2016

• #1

Nice weather is finally here and I am starting work on the TR3 again. I've been looking at aquiring a Triumph overdrive tranny (not a conversion -- or at least not now) but haven't had a lot of success. Not much currently on Ebay and the Quantum Mechanics website has never re-emerged. Any suggestions on where to look? I'm not really interested in piecing together a complete unit from bits, just biting the bullet and getting an entire assembly.

Fred
1961 TR3

 

Last edited: Apr 19, 2016

Marvin Gruber

Yoda

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• Apr 19, 2016

• #2

Fred,
I have several but have not had good luck with shipping.
Marv

 

Brinkerhoff

Jedi Knight

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• Apr 19, 2016

• #3

Harder to find all the time and makes a big difference in value if you sell. Sports Car Market price guide suggests a $1,000 add for OD which seems light by a few thou at least ! Its the one used part on these cars that is worth serious money. I'd haunt Craigslist and be ready to buy sight unseen.

 

TR3driver

Great Pumpkin - R.I.P

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• Apr 19, 2016

• #4

Marvin Gruber said:

Fred,
I have several but have not had good luck with shipping.
Marv

Click to expand...

Google says it's less than 12 hours drive from Madison to Florence ... if you take a long weekend, you could swing by Grand Ole Opry or maybe Cathedral Caverns.

 

Got_All_4

Luke Skywalker

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• Apr 20, 2016

• #5

I know you said you don't want to part one together but there are plenty of J type units out there from old Volvos and you can still get the main shafts and adapters. You will also need the speedo gear and it's available too. The trannys are very simple to do too. I've never did one before and stayed away from them but just recently I bit the bullet and got a manual and have now rebuilt 3 gear boxes. Getting help from a local old Triumph tech helping with my a A type overdrive.

 

T

tdskip

Yoda

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• Apr 21, 2016

• #6

Go for it - an OD transforms the car. Worth the money and effort.

 

TRMark

Jedi Knight

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• Apr 21, 2016

• #7

Do it, you will drive the car more often. The speed limit on two lanes here is 70mph. If you drive slower than, some ranch gal driving a diesel dually pulling a 30' horse trailer will be trying to pass.

 

chuck69ss

Freshman Member

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• Apr 21, 2016

• #8

Ask local club members if you know any, and keep an eye on Craigslist. I found one on CL recently and less than 2 hours away. Paid $750, condition unknown. (Currently rebuilding the main box and A-type OD unit.) I would expect a reconditioned one to be >$2K these days.

 

TR3driver

Great Pumpkin - R.I.P

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• Apr 21, 2016

• #9

Got_All_4 said:

I know you said you don't want to part one together but there are plenty of J type units out there

Click to expand...

I put a J-type in Stag #1 and wish I had waited to find an A-type instead. Not nearly as much fun to drive, IMO.

There are other issues as well. I don't believe there is a standard mainshaft that will mate a J-type to a TR3 gearbox, so you'll also have to source a later gearbox (or pay to have a custom shaft made). And the J-type would sit right where the TR3 rear crossmember goes, so you'll have to fab a rear mount and potentially cut away the tabs where the original mount goes.

While I'm normally allergic to Japanese parts, I'd have to say that Herman's 5 speed Toyota conversion would be a better option than a J-type, in a TR3. But an A-type is still better yet.

 

Got_All_4

Luke Skywalker

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• Apr 22, 2016

• #10

Randle is correct about no main shafts to fit a J type to a TR3 box. I missed something there. I talked to John Esposito about that very issue and he thought I was crazy for even asking but I like the non syncro 1st gear. I know I know I'm weird but it's part of the TR3 driving experience. I took Randals and the rest of the forums advice and went for the A type in the TR3. I have both a A and a J type which the J type will go into my TR6 or 250 if I don't keep the 6 and restore it.

 

OP

W

WiscTR

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• Apr 22, 2016

• #11

Thanks all. Wish I could make a trip down south south, but not in the reasonably near future. I'll keep it mind though.
I do want the overdrive so I'll keep watching for one. Might have to learn how to rebuild a tranny along with learning how to weld. These cars sure do keep you going.
Anybody know the story on Quantum Mechanics? Looked like exactly what I wanted but I didn't pull the trigger when I should have.

 

gbtr6

Jedi Trainee

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• Apr 22, 2016

• #12

Hi,

Not sure if he'd have any, but, do you know Chris Mills up here in Appleton? He has a lot of stuff, but is a but hard to reach. May be worth the try. PM me and I can give you his phone number.

Perry

 

Jim_Stevens

Jedi Warrior

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• Apr 22, 2016

• #13

Quantum is still in business. He's probably too swamped to keep the website up. Call John at (203) 463-8299. Does wonderful work-- Jim

 

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Lou Metelko

Jedi Trainee

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• Apr 22, 2016

• #14

Another positive vote for John Esposito with Quantum. He rebuilt the transmission and A Type in 2002. Now 37,000 miles later it still snaps into and out of OD. He is simply the best of the best.

Lou Metelko
Auburn, Indiana
54 TR2LD

 

Geo Hahn

Yoda

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• Apr 22, 2016

• #15

X3 on calling John Esposito. I installed a A-Type from him ten years ago and have had no issues in the many miles since.

John's phone number is on that page that shows up when you...

https://www.quantumechanics.com/

You'd want to talk to him about it anyway, even if you could order from a web page.

 

BillyB62

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• Apr 22, 2016

• #16

+4 for John at Quantum!

 

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DonP

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• Apr 22, 2016

• #17

I looked for about 3 years for an OD Trans for my 3B before finally finding one at a shop in LA. Patience is your friend on these things.

Had it shipped via UPS, boxed and padded with layer and layer of inch thick Celotex insulation cut to fit around the trans and massive amounts of foam peanuts filling any gaps. That solenoid bracket is one major weak point on them along with the edge of the bell housing.

Now it's all rebuilt by a pro, bench tested and ready to go in later this Spring. Worth the wait