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OD Conversion?

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Bret

Bret

Yoda
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Hey folks,

I got a line on an OD off of a 79 MGB. I was going to wait & install one of those aftermarket 5-speed conversions but the price of this OD trany is less than half the cost and I don't have to pay shipping because the seller is local.

So the question is: How hard is it to convert to OD from the standard 4-speed? I understand that the prop shaft is the same and it should bolt right in without any modifications, but what I’m concerned about is where do I place the OD switch?

Anybody traveled down this road?

Thanks in advance,
Bret
 
get a proper shift knob with the OD switch. Tony might have one. I think you may have to get a speedo from an OD car also, but I could be wrong about that.
 
That's probably what I'm doing - the shift knob with the OD switch. The rest sounds to be pretty cut and dried as far as install goes. I can let you know AFTER we get the OD in Emma!
 
Probably going to go ahead and jump on it before someone else does and assess what I need then.
 
If the deal is that good, just buy it. You can always sell it again later for what you paid if not more. Should be a bolt-in installation with a couple extra wires to run, and installing the switch. Buy a new speedo or recalibrate your existing one. If I'm not mistaken, the drive shaft will need to be shortened or replaced as well, or is that only on early models?
 
I'm pretty sure the prop shaft was the same on later models between the OD & none-OD transmissions.
 
[ QUOTE ]
get a proper shift knob with the OD switch.

[/ QUOTE ]

Make sure you don't get the one that ejects the passenger seat.

Bruce
 
that'd be the one with the big red button.... the jolly candy like red button...
 
AS opposed to the newer big red "EASY" button that just drops a ream or six of copier paper in your lap, right?
 
Worked on plenty, never "converted" a car without one... are you getting the entire unit or just the O/D part? If it's the whole gearbox (as I would hope) the shifter/knob should be there as well... just some random musings.

EDIT: And I agree with Steve: Just grab it. You are unlikely to -lose- money on it, whether you put it in your car or sell it.
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
get a proper shift knob with the OD switch.

[/ QUOTE ]

Make sure you don't get the one that ejects the passenger seat.

Bruce

[/ QUOTE ]

OOH! I want that one!
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devilgrin.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
get a proper shift knob with the OD switch.

[/ QUOTE ]

Make sure you don't get the one that ejects the passenger seat.

Bruce

[/ QUOTE ]

OOH! I want that one!
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devilgrin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Sorry, I just wanted to see 3 quote boxes inside each other. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/lol.gif

I'll take the ejection seat too.
 
Old tranny out, new tranny in!

Same driveshaft for either

Wiring is already in car so all you need is the knob with switch & wiring in it if you've a later car or the stalk switch for early car

Different speedo unless you have a 1000 already.
 
Not the one in the gear shift, sorry...actually, all you need is the proper knob & I think Moss has them...it'll fit on your shift lever as I remember & the wires can be fed down through it.
 
Tony,

Question about the OD switch & how it works.

Ok I know it can be engaged when you are in fourth gear (third on some OD) but what kind of switch are we talking about? Is it a momentary type (NO) or a toggle type that you have to manually turn off before down shifting? Or is it something else that kicks off when you hit the clutch?

Just wondering if I can rig up a switch like the one 007 uses in his Aston Martin with the flip up crest? Or just an exposed red button? I think it’d be kind of trick if I could rig something like that up if I was to go with this OD set-up rather than the 5-speed.

BTW Tony, that little "item" I priced with you the other day is going to happen! But it's on hold for a couple of weeks due to some things going on right now around the old homestead.

Cheers,
Bret
 
Yep, just a toggle switch anywhere would work...would be kinda neat to put it on the center console & name it "Ejection Seat"...hehehehe
 
Yes I like the idea of the ejection seat switch. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

But back to the operation of the OD: Lets say I worked my way up to fourth gear and flipped the switch and am now I'm in OD. I assoume that when I want to go back into fourth I just flip off the switch. But is it a problem when I am ready to down shift into third - do I first need to flip off the OD switch, before down shifting or can I just down shift normally?

Also if after down shifting to third will I need to reset or turn off the OD before shifting back into fourth?

Guess I'm just confused. Maybe I don't really want an OD after all if it's that involved. But on the other hand the price is right (translated as cheap) and I'd have that "fifth" or OD for freeway driving. Besides the guy selling the tranny is local, so I don't have to pay shipping and can just pick it up.

Dang it! Now I have heartburn! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
 
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