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interstate speed

LHall

Freshman Member
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I have been considering converting my standard 4-speed to an overdrive transmission and I was just wondering how much of an improvement it is, especially at interstate speed. With my current transmission I hesitate driving on the interstate too long because I am turning so many rpms.
 
The overdrive ratio is 0.82:1 for the LH type, so multiply your RPMS by 0.82.
 
OD is definitely worth having. Driving at speed on interstates without it won't hurt your non-OD car . . . but it sure is a lot more pleasant for the occupants WITH overdrive. (Much more peaceful.) It's a definite plus on an MG.
 
Do you think the conversion will hurt the value, or increase it? Then it's not "original".
I would like to do it, my syncro is gone in 2nd, and the lower rpm's would be nice.

[ 04-03-2003: Message edited by: JordanB ]</p>
 
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by LHall:
I have been considering converting my standard 4-speed to an overdrive transmission and I was just wondering how much of an improvement it is, especially at interstate speed. With my current transmission I hesitate driving on the interstate too long because I am turning so many rpms.<hr></blockquote>

With the OD it's just like driving a modern 5 speed in 5th gear as far as I'm concerned. Yup, makes a difference.
 
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by JordanB:
Do you think the conversion will hurt the value, or increase it? Then it's not "original".
I would like to do it, my syncro is gone in 2nd, and the lower rpm's would be nice.
<hr></blockquote>

The OD transmission was a standard option on Bs. While it might not be original to the car, it's original (and desireable) on the model.
 
I have factory overdrive on my B and it cuises real nice at 70 and there is a noticeable difference in the noise level when I flip into overdrive...but still I prefer to stay on the backroad and off of the Interstates in this area...too many SUV drivers talking on cell phones and not able to drive.
frown.gif


Bruce

PS...I also drive a 4WD Surburban and have had cell phones for 15 years
 
I've got a 1975 OD transmission in my '66B. It's a big "plus" for the car, as far as I'm concerned. OD is desirable for anyone interested in a driving B, and will only increase the resale value. Only a purist interested in making my car an absolutely original concours car would care that I have a later-model tranny in it.

You've got the Weber carb conversion and a non-original paint job on the dash, so I wouldn't worry about an overdrive tranny not being original to the car. Put one in, and enjoy it!
 
Overdrive is nice. But if you don't run across one, don't be afraid to drive at highway speeds. My engine is quite happy to run at 4,000-4,500 rpms all day. Redline isn't until 6G and my ears love the sound of a happy engine.
 
Just FYI (without having to do the math), some real world numbers I noted: 3000rpm yields appx 65mph, somewhere between 3250-3400 nudges 75mph. Drove my B yesterday on two highways (unusual for me) without any trouble.
 
Overdrive will save the rod and main bearings of your engine. There's no debate that at revs of over 3500 for a prolonged period of time on these engine whomps the heck out of the bottom end, and you'll be changing bearings sooner.
Overdrive is always a desireable option on Brit cars.


Ron
 
I am lucky enough to have a non overdrive 75 and a 71 with overdrive. The overdrive car is much better on major highways in that it is smoother and quieter.That being said I have no problems driving the 4 speed at highway speeds all day long, it revs higher but you get used to it after a while!!
Warren
canpatriot.gif
 
Canadaspit....lower bearings were designed to be replaced every 50,000 miles anyway, no big deal...though I do have OD in my '79 with 96,000 miles, I rarely use it until I'm up around 65 or so...but, it does drop RPM about 750 & improves sound quality in car....my '74-1/2 has it & I use all time as I also have AC in that car

...if you can't find an MG OD, think about a Nissan 5-speed conversion
 
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