Gear Vendors Overdrive in my '32 Ford???

......hummm, what's everyone think; Should I have a Gear Vendors Overdrive put in my '32 Ford 3 Window Coupe??? It's got a 413 small block, 497 Tq @ 4000 & 460 HP @ 5350. Turbo 400 trans w/ manual shift, reverse valve body, trans brake, 2500 stall converter, 9" rear w/ 3:50 Posi. I'm using 31" tall tires..... How much better will the gas milage be??? {it will make a 3:50 gear be a 2.69???}.... And I read on the GV web site re; an advantage is the RPM's won't drop as far when going from 1st into 1st over/2nd into 2nd over, etc.... Does this make a real difference in performance??? Now would be a good time to do it as the drive shaft isn't built yet... Thanks everyone ;)... Bill

I like the O/D but with your engine ... I believe a 2.69 is too high and will possibly lug the engine. Most camshaft manufactures list the best RPM cruise range for their cams. Do you know yours ?

Also ... I have a 400 Turbo in my 32 Roadster and the driveshaft is only a little over 27 inches ( if I remember correctly ) ... the Gear Vendors unit is fairly long and fairly large ... would you have enough room for one ??

http://hotrodders.com/journal_photos...1441151910.jpg

I went with a 700R4 in my 3W ... to get the O/D :)

....Deuce, The operating range of my cam starts at 2200 RPM so I should be ok there. And my builder suggested the GV overdrive and he's built quite a few '32's so that shouldn't be a problem.... Nice looking frame your working on ;).... Thanks for the imput .... bill

deuce ..looks good

I've heard good things about the GV overdrive and would consider one myself (TH400, 4.56:1 gear) but the $$$ are quite a bit out there.... I can't say I know anyone that has one though... HotRod magazine did a bit on them a few months ago

If you want it and can afford it,it will definatly increase performance and fuel economy.The hot tip is the electronic controller,so you do not have to manually activate it!!The stall and rear gears need to match the performance or economy your looking for.I had a video ,or I think theres one on the GV website showing full throttle shifts from a stand still,quite impressive,not to mention the unique sound it makes by not letting the rpms drop too much.Overall its a good quality built piece that holds it value and adds value to anything its attached too.Think of power shifting a motorcycle thru the gears and put a good v-8 sound to it.

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Originally Posted by billlsbird

....Deuce, The operating range of my cam starts at 2200 RPM so I should be ok there. And my builder suggested the GV overdrive and he's built quite a few '32's so that shouldn't be a problem.... Nice looking frame your working on ;).... Thanks for the imput .... bill

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@ 75 MPH ... your engine will be below 2200 RPM ... barely :D I would go lower in the rear end gearing ... a 3.89 or a 4.10
just my nickel ...

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I agree, you'll want to run a shorter gear than the 3.50, especially with those big meats...

making a few assumptions (car wt ~3000lbs, 460 real HP to rear wheels) and also assuming the coupe is built for 1/4mi bracket racing + cruising, the car should run somewhere around 11.0@125mph in a 1/4mi.

If these assumptions are close, a 4.33:1 gear will put you through the traps at 5900rpm at 125mph in 3rd gear (4.10 gear at same rpm 133mph). With that same 4.33 gear you will cruise at 75mph at a comfortable 2700rpm in 3rd+overdrive

If actual hp to the pavement is less, you'll want an even shorter gear (and/or shorter tire)... 4.56 probably about right, 4.88 probably overkill....

two cents,

Chris

Be careful that it fits your trans cross member and clears the x or k braces just behind it. Length should be OK. Yeah you should be thorough in considering the right gearing etc, but for the ~$2800 or so cost I bet Gear Vendors will help you make sure you got it right.

I want one too. Buddy of mine has one in his Z28. If you ever have it on in reverse I'm told it destroys itself instantly.

kitz

I run 3.89 gears in my '32 along with a 383 and a 700R4 tranny. I run BFG P285-70R X15 inch rear tires (30 inch diameter) and I am very satisfied with how it runs both in town (in drive) and out on the interstate (in overdrive).

.....Thanks all for the replys ;)... well, yes I can afford it{that's as long as I don't mind waiting another 2 months to take delivery of it! :( }. But I think I'm going to go for it ;).... But your all right about needing to go lower on my gear selection, so I will.... It put out 460 HP, but that is flywheel not rear wheel.... So something around 3:89 to 4:11 sounds good.... Thanks again everyone, I'd be lost without this site! Bill