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Well if you ever wondered if an OD was worth it

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Stewart

Stewart

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I've never gotten more than 30 mpg out of a mgb and that was cruising at 55 mph with a non OD transmission. Today I hit 32 mpg cruising at a steady 75 to 80 mph in overdrive with a strong crosswind to slight headwind on the way down and a strong 20 mph+ headwind for my return. 150 miles round trip and burned 4.65 gallons of gasohol. Normally for this trip I would expect around 23 mpg in normal conditions and on days like today in the teens. I thought the gas gauge was broken as it didn't move from the pegged full position till 70 miles down the road. If this continues the overdrive will pay for it's self in gas savings in 35k miles. Less when gas goes up.
 
My car and driving style begs for a 5th speed. My sweet spot is 70/80mph but the engine is screaming it's heart out, very disheartening to say the least. I don't like running the engine at 5k rpms for long periods like that.
 
YEAH!!
 
There is a unique feeling when you reach cruising speed (whatever that may be in any situation) and you flip the OD switch and watch the tach drop back and feel your little car just glide! :driving:
 
My new T9 kit is sitting here in the floor, but it'll have to wait to winter, and then my car gets it's new 1900 hot rod engine and the 5 speed. I don't do alot of highway with my car, mostly mountain running, but the 5 speed will open that avenue up.
 
OD is well worth it if you do any highway driving at all. I've been to a lot of shows up and down I95 when I'd pass other MGs. I usually keep it just a hair over 70, and the car is "just right" there. A few times one of the guys I passed would come look and make a comment like "oh, you've got overdrive".
 
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