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Overdrive obsession

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drooartz

drooartz

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For the last 6 months or so seriously (and the last 20 years recreationally) I've been researching cars of the 60s for eventual purchase. One thing that keeps coming up is my perceived need for some sort of overdrive. Even when I was still considering Mustangs, I was always looking into conversions, options, prices, etc.

So 2 questions come to mind:

1. Is my obsession warranted? Is an overdrive really that necessary.

2. If #1 is a yes, my recent thoughts are that it is probably worth waiting to find a car that already has one, rather going through the hassle and expense of adding it on. I assume it is cheaper to buy an OD equipped car than to add it, in most situations.

I'm learning to be patient, so if I need to save some more money and postpone my search, then I'm willing to do so.

Thanks,
-Drew
 
Drew, I think it is going to come down to how & where you plan to drive the car. I take 2 or 3 trips a year of 500 miles or so, the rest of the time I am closer to home. Overdrive would be nice on those longer rides, especially when it includes interstate, but I get along just fine w/o it.

Yes, the engine screams along at 3500-4000 RPM but I am not sure that hurts it any and I doubt that fuel economy is greatly affected (I wouldn't be doing this at all if fuel costs were a big issue).

I think you are correct in thinking that if OD is what you want you are better off finding a car with one in place. Most of the ODs in eBay seem to be 'as is' and may well require some attention or even a rebuild but one already in a car can be tested on the road.
 
Hi Drew,
For me the worst part of them is their bulk and weight when you do have to pull them for clutch work or worse. They are a killer whether your on your back or sitting in the car trying to wrestle that mother in. These days I think I almost would rather pull the engine and take it off on the outside.
Tom Lains
 
Drew,

I'll add a counterpoint. I put an A type OD unit in my car about 10 years ago. It wasn't that difficult and in fact I wrote an article that's still on the VTR website of my efforts. The car is now a 7 speed and it's much easier on the motor at highway speeds, not to mention quieter. As for putting one in yourself, it's just a matter of your confidence in your mechanical abilities. I'd agree that it's easier to find an OD equipped car, but if its a rough OD car vs. a nice driver without OD, I'd go for the latter and install one yourself. My humble opinion anyways,

Mark
1970 TR-6
 
I always wanted an OD-equipped TR...I finally got one and...I've never been able to get it working! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

In all seriousness, it really depends on how/where you drive. I do little freeway driving, so I don't miss the OD working on my TR3 (or lack of OD on my '69 Corvette.) When I took my TR7 up to Seattle last month, I liked having that tall 5th gear to make it quiet.
 
Hi Drew,

I'll second everything Geo says, although I think you'd be surprised at the difference in fuel usage.

Let me add, though, that overdrive on Triumphs and other small sports cars can also serve a performance function, too, depending upon how they are used. Yes, OD on top gear makes highway cruising a lot more pleasant. But, an A-type on a TR4, for example, can effectively provide a "7-speed" gearbox, with overdrive "gears" inbetween 2nd and 3rd, 3rd and 4th, as well as on top of 4th. ("6-speed" with most TR-6s, as normally installed.) With a little practice, an experienced driver can select from these "gears" and get great performance out of their car. This is particularly important with a smallor modest size 4- or 6-cylinder engine.

Have you noticed the increasing number of gears in manually shifted modern cars (and even some automatics)? Back in the heyday of large American V-8s, a three speed or four speed was all that was needed thanks to that big old engine. Now, even V-8 engines are smaller and 5-speeds are common, while 6-speeds are becoming more-so.

Cheers!

Alan Myers
San Jose, Calif.
'62 TR4 CT17602L
 
Good advice above from guys who know what they're talking about.

I also might add that it's important to consider your budget for the car. I agree that overdrive really transforms these cars. I installed a J-type in a GT6, it was a much improved car and far more fun to drive with OD.

However, if you pay someone else to install it, and if you purchase a rebuilt one, the final installation cost will be equal to a large percentage of the car's net value. In other words, installing OD can be prohibitively expensive relative to the car's market value.

I wasn't overly concerned about the expense with my GT6, I just wanted to have OD. Glad I did it. It also adds greatly to the value of your car, if done correctly.

Budgets are easily forgotten when playing with these Triumphs, as we all know. However, it's always a Good Thing to be aware of potential costs.

Just my two pence worth, I hope it's helpful.
 
Well, been reading your posts for quite sometime.You are gathering info,good.My question, are you sure you want a Brit car?I get an underlining feeling that you looking for the best,least troublsome car possible.A worthy endevore.But be forewarned,the perfect car doesn't exist,and if you set your standards to high you might never get that car and you will have missed the joys and tramuas and learning experience that are the essence of these eccentric cars.This is just a lesson I have learned after years of observation of potential LBC wanna be owners.I guess what I am trying to say is the waters great,..jump in.
 
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My question, are you sure you want a Brit car?

[/ QUOTE ]

A very good question. Yes, I am sure--there's just something about them that really appeals to me: simplicity, honesty, beauty. My main reasons for all the researching:

1. Money. Research is cheap (a few books and the odd club membership). Buying a car and caring for it are expensive. Due to various financial restraints, I've only recently gathered enough money to be able to actually consider myself on the market. The longer I research, the more cash I can have on hand.

2. I want to set myself up to succeed. I don't want to wind up hating a car because it's not the one I really wanted, or because I don't have any money for working on it. With big expenses on the horizon (I'm 32, with kids in the plans in the next few years) This is my best chance to get into the LBC hobby and I want to do it right. I'm also teaching myself a bit of extra patience. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I'm a researcher by nature, and each new bit of info or car not bought is teaching me a bunch about what I really like. I love learning new things, and with great resources like this forum, I'm feeling more confident that I'll be set up to enjoy my car once it finds its way home.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Drew, I think it is going to come down to how & where you plan to drive the car.

[/ QUOTE ]

There are lots of great drives in Utah, but most of them require some freeway droning to get there, especially down south (beautiful country, but lots of empty space between here and there). About 10 years ago, I had a '76 Toyota Land Cruiser with a 4-speed. Going anywhere at speed had it desperate for one more gear. That experience has just stuck with me.

I'm trying to fit into my budget the extra money needed to accommodate some sort of overdrive or 5-speed, in addition to or in the purchase of the car. Not too worried if it means I spend more than market value for the car in the end--I figure that at my level, that's pretty much a given anyways. This is not a money-making venture, but something I want to do for fun.

-Drew
 
Drew -- I enjoyed your web site and your methodical search. I was your age when I saw a TR3A sitting in a corn field as I drove down a country road. I knew I was going to buy it before I completed the U-Turn to get another look. I guess what I lacked in patience was offset by dumb luck since I still drive it today (and almost everyday) 25 years later.

Sorry you don't live nearer to Southern Arizona or I'd get you in some rides to help your decision process.
 
The interesting thing is that there are cars hitting the road now with 7-speed automatic trannies. I think 7 speed sticks are probably right around the corner. (First will come paddle-shift clutchless manuals, then normal sticks.)
 
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Sorry you don't live nearer to Southern Arizona or I'd get you in some rides to help your decision process.

[/ QUOTE ]

If I'm ever down that way, I'll look you up--thanks for the offer. I've actually gotten into more LBCs than I figured I would find here in Utah. We've mostly got old Jeeps and such around here. Only one of my top contenders I haven't been in is a TR4, but a friend did let me sit in his TR6, which is close enough to know that I would fit.
 
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