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-   -   Mitchel overdrives (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=218481)

michael a 04-10-2017 03:38 PM

Mitchel overdrives
 

How many of you guys are using these what are your likes and dislikes?

Art Newland 04-10-2017 03:41 PM

Re: Mitchel overdrives
 

I don't have one (yet) but I don't think there is anything to dislike? Except the extra shifter lever.

Dave in MN 04-10-2017 03:51 PM

Re: Mitchel overdrives
 

I have one in my Phaeton. I like it as it gives you many choices for varying slopes and road speeds.
My Mitchell is a 26% and I have a 4-11 rear end ratio. I have had it in my car for over 80,000 miles...no issues.
Good Day!

JohnLaVoy 04-10-2017 04:14 PM

Re: Mitchel overdrives
 

I've used one for years and love it.

wmws 04-10-2017 04:25 PM

Re: Mitchel overdrives
 

I have a Mitchell 26% with a 3.78 rear. Great for touring. Very relaxed RPM at 50 MPH. I generally just go 1st -3rd and then 3rd OD. But on a long hill sometimes 2nd OD is useful.

foxfire42 04-10-2017 04:32 PM

Re: Mitchel overdrives
 

Got 1 LOVE IT. No issues

quickchange 04-10-2017 05:17 PM

Re: Mitchel overdrives
 

The best thing since Model A,s where made,

daveymc29 04-10-2017 05:29 PM

Re: Mitchel overdrives
 

Have one in my Roadster. I was trying to get more wiggle room by removing the extra lever and using the cable shift. No issues with that and now I can get across the car to exit on the curb side if I like. I'm running a 26% OD with 3:54 rear end and 600 X 16 tires. I love the combo so much I have ordered the syncro tranny so my bride can get us home if the need arrises. You'll never be sorry if you intend to drive your car. 6 forward and 2 reverse. I have used only 5 of the forwards but if I ever climb Pikes Peak, I understand the first over is a useful gear. Good to have all these choices and keep the rpm down some. A 56 Ford F100 steering box and a short pitman arm has really made my car a pleasure to drive. (Not so much in the rain.)

loubob 04-10-2017 05:43 PM

Re: Mitchel overdrives
 

Excellent unit.
26% w/3.78
Sue, & Steve, could not be any better to deal with if you have a problem!

Loubob

asapguy 04-10-2017 07:34 PM

Re: Mitchel overdrives
 

I've bought three of them. Picked up the last one at their place of business a few miles east of I-5 in central Calif. on my way back from a trip to So. Calif. I have one in my 31 SW Cabbie along with "B" motor, I can drive all day long at 60MPH+. The last one I got for my Briggs fordor leatherback but haven't got around to installing it yet. Been thinking about one for my 35 Ford cp. also.

EHERRICK 04-10-2017 07:37 PM

Re: Mitchel overdrives
 

I have 3 overdrives and 2 transmissions
I love them

DougVieyra 04-10-2017 09:55 PM

Re: Mitchel overdrives
 

I have one in my '31 Dlx Coupe and LOVE it. Although truth be told, I have not really had a chance to use it much, as all my driving is around town - no long distance trips yet.

But in the short term - it is like having 4-wheel drive that you don't need to use it very often, but when 4-wheel drive would make a difference, it is really nice to have!

waxhead 04-10-2017 10:34 PM

Re: Mitchel overdrives
 

I have the 26% over-drive and 3.54:1 rear ratio and high compression head. Love it, no negatives to report.

TerryH 04-10-2017 11:50 PM

Re: Mitchel overdrives
 

Have had mine for about 10 years now, and would never own a Model A without one. I also have the 26% and 3.78 rear end, which I find about ideal for Southern California. It is so easy to use.....basically like a much needed 4th gear. I use it all the time, even on our surface streets. After I hit 40+ mph, I shift into OD. On the freeway, I like to cruise effortlessly at 60 mph, but the real fun is using it at around 45/50......the car is so quiet it is amazing. And for driving in our local mountains, 2nd OD is perfect. The added lever has never bothered me, as I never seat 3 in the front seat. Bullet proof and extremely well built........

Arlyn Bieber 04-11-2017 09:00 AM

Re: Mitchel overdrives
 

Excellent addition for the Model A. I'm running the 33% with 3.78 rear end in my heavy slant window sedan. Don't know why you would use a 26% when the 33% reduces the engine RPM which means less wear. Have installed about a dozen 33% in customers cars and they all love it. Just my experience.

TerryH 04-11-2017 09:49 AM

Re: Mitchel overdrives
 

Arlen---If I was just touring, I would probably use the 33%, but in my opinion, and that of many others, the 26% is a good compromise for all around driving. Tom Endy has one of his Model A's with a 36% (if I remember correctly), and he told me it was higher than he liked. Like almost all Model A items, whatever works well for you is what you should use. Others think a well running Model A doesn't even need an OD at all.

CarlG 04-11-2017 12:27 PM

Re: Mitchel overdrives
 

My overdrive is not a Mitchell, (F-150 Tremec) but the 27% in my pickup with 3.78 rear is just about perfect.

Synchro909 04-11-2017 02:28 PM

Re: Mitchel overdrives
 

I have one in each of my 3 Model As. Love 'em. When combined with one of Mitchell's synchro gearboxes, simply brilliant. I have fitted a cable change to one of them and will make at least one more. Touring at 50 is no strain. Both the engine and I are relaxed.:D

160B 04-11-2017 04:36 PM

Re: Mitchel overdrives
 

I have two, one in my 160B, and one in my 31 68B, makes travelling a JOY!!

frank55a 04-12-2017 08:58 AM

Re: Mitchel overdrives
 

I have the 26% Mitchel over-drive with a 3.54 rear, a BF 5.9 head high compression head, and a Stipe IB30 cam. Performance is great, I can run 55-60 all day long and can climb the hills in West VA, western Maryland, and Pennsylvania with no problems. I should have done it many years ago. Love it.


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