Low Ratio Rear

[RAC68]

A friend with a BJ8 has a 3.54 installed with a Toyota 5-speed. His intention is to replace the 3.54 with a 3.07 rear for cruising. He believe this ratio was available for a MGC and, since I have not heard this change ever mentioned, was wondering if anyone knows if it would fit and has experience with this exchange.

Ray (64BJ8P1)

 

[Patrick67BJ8]

A friend with a BJ8 has a 3.54 installed with a Toyota 5-speed. His intention is to replace the 3.54 with a 3.07 rear for cruising. He believe this ratio was available for a MGC and, since I have not heard this change ever mentioned, was wondering if anyone knows if it would fit and has experience with this exchange.

Ray (64BJ8P1)

What speed does he want to cruise at...90mph? I have the same setup and engine rpm is low at cruising speed.

He'll find himself continually shifting out and back in 5th gear on slight inclines and/or when he wants to pass another car. Just totally interfers with the cruise control operation(LOL).

 

[HealeyRick]

I agree with Patrick. I can't imagine what problem he's trying to solve by dropping to a 3.07 rear, it should be perfectly geared for highway speeds the way it is now. Bonneville Speed Week, maybe?

 

[Patrick67BJ8]

I agree with Patrick. I can't imagine what problem he's trying to solve by dropping to a 3.07 rear, it should be perfectly geared for highway speeds the way it is now. Bonneville Speed Week, maybe?

I was given a set of 2.92 gears for a big Healey back in 1975 and promptly turned around and sold them at a nice profit. I was told that I would never need 4th or overdrive with them. Another problem would be letting out the clutch and trying to move forward. Even more difficult on an incline.
Not worth the bother of frequent clutch changes either.

 

[Michael Oritt]

I have Toyota 5-speeds and 3.54 rears on both Healeys which comes out to just over 70 mph at 3000 rpm's. I've never felt at a need for torque and at the same time don't have the sense that I am pressing against a wall when at highway speeds.

 

[RAC68]

Thanks All,

You have provided inputs that supports my own feelings. However, I would have thought that since the 3.07 rear was offered on a 3L MGC, the Healey would have the torque and RPM range to comfortably support high speed cruising or just plain pleasure driving over moderately hilly roads with only a reasonable increase in downshift frequency.

Since he is coming close to completing his Healey and hasn’t driven it at high speed for at least 10 or more years, I expect his first 80 MPH cruse will focus his attentions on other than high RPMs.

All the best,
Ray (64BJ8P1)