Thread: Overdrive Question

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Hey all,

I have read in some of the other threads here that some of you were considering running a gear vendors unit and I was wondering if any of you carried through with it and put one in? I am also curious as to how it is working out for you if you have.

The more I think about it, I am tempted (very tempted) to go that route. I realize that, at over $2500.00, it won't be cheap; but, then again what is?

Near as I can tell, it will allow me to use a much better rear gear for light to light performance than I had originally looked at running in the flaming chicken and still be able to tolerate long distance driving, which I refer to as the gauntlet, for the show circuit I usually run each year.

Also, one of the things that I believe has kept me from getting motivated to finish the thing, is trying to determine what rear gearing I want for the car so that I can make the best compromise between short distance fun and long distance driveability. As of yet, I still haven't purchased the new rear differential and gear set because I keep changing my mind between a 3.50 and 3.36

In one fail swoop, I think that I could simply just get a 3.73 set, and a gear vendors unit and be done with it.

I realize that I could probably call them and get the factory perspective; but, before I do that, I would like to hear what other's have experienced with these units, the good and the bad from installation to operation etc.

Thanks,
Dutch

Have you thought about a six speed trans?

Originally Posted by Henry Rifle

Have you thought about a six speed trans?

Yeah briefly. The thing is that I have a brand new TH400 with a shift kit, a 2300 or 2400 (can't remember which right off the top of my head) RPM stall converter, race sprag etc. all set up and ready to go.

The other (minor) issue is that I am running a Pontiac motor in it, so switching over to anything other than the BOP housing would require the adapter. Not a big deal; but, as I already have the tranny above, it wouldn't make a whole lot of sense (to me anyway) to get rid of it and go some other route. If I find out the gear vendors unit isn't worth the money, then I'll probably just stick with the TH400 and figure out some sort of compromise in the rear gearing.

Mr. Chicken,
I have a gear vender overdrive in a 32 Ford coupe of mine. It has a 327 engine with a polished 671 blower with 2 Edelbrock carbs, 400 trans, Gear venders overdrive with a Jag rearend with 390 gears.
I am going to sell the engine, trans and Gear venders overdrive, tooooooooooo much hp for a car this light.
The engine and trans has 11000 miles on them but the Gear venders overdrive unit has less than 500 miles. If interested I will take $2000 for the unit.
I am located near Columbia SC.
Thanks,
Wade

Dutch, I was considering one for the '32 that I'm having built & asked a lot of questions on here about it. I was totally sold on it but changed my mind due to finances. If I had the money to do it I would do it in a heart beat. If I'd of gone with the GV I would have had to wait 2 more months to get my car, that's the ONLY reason I didn't do it. In fact after I get the car it will be one of the first improvements that I do. Folks on here pretty much recommended a 3.9 to 4.11 rear end for me. Hope this helps ya, Bill

Originally Posted by midnight1957

Mr. Chicken,
I have a gear vender overdrive in a 32 Ford coupe of mine. It has a 327 engine with a polished 671 blower with 2 Edelbrock carbs, 400 trans, Gear venders overdrive with a Jag rearend with 390 gears.
I am going to sell the engine, trans and Gear venders overdrive, tooooooooooo much hp for a car this light.
The engine and trans has 11000 miles on them but the Gear venders overdrive unit has less than 500 miles. If interested I will take $2000 for the unit.
I am located near Columbia SC.
Thanks,
Wade

Wade,

Right now, I am just looking for data regarding success/failure with the units to try to determine if it is worth it or not. I'm not ready to run out and purchase one just yet. I'll keep your offer in mind though.

In any event, did you install the unit or have it installed by someone else? If you installed it was it a painstaking process to get everything shimmed/adjusted etc.? How did the unit work out for you? Did you have any problems with it? I realize you only put about 500 miles on it, so I obviously couldn't consider that long term reliability; but, I am curious as to how it performed for you none the less.

Thanks for the info,
Dutch

Dutch, the unit was in my 32 when I bought it. It is a simple installation, just remove the tail shaft of your trans, bolt it on, wire it up and you are ready to go. With the unit bolted to the end of your trans, itis not supported, its really not long enough to need support.
I am going to a different drive train and that is why I am selling my engine with blower, 400 trans and Gear venders unit. It works very smooth and is a perfect add on overdrive.
Thanks,
Wade

Had a GearVendors on a tow rig and on a Super Comp dragster. Both worked great and IMO are well worth the money!!!! Hoping they can come up with one for the back of a TKO 600 by the time the Ranchero is ready for it!!!!! 3 overdrive gears behind a 700 ft. lb torque engine should overcome some of the aerodynamic challenges my limited knowledge of aerodynamics has created!!!! Sure wish somebody would come up with a virtual wind tunnel!!!!!!