Lucked Out

[inex01]

My sedan is now driving better than she ever has, why you ask? The driveability problems began after I installed my Mitchel overdrive with a 3:54 rear differential gears last year. My engine was rebuilt four years ago and the only performance option is the 5.5 high compression head.

The engine was just not strong enough to use the Mitchel overdrive comfortably, she was just struggling in overdrive but was bearable around town but did lack power and did not feel right. So what did I do? A couple of months ago I bought a 29 Sedan project car and with the car was a set of five 1935 16" wheels that were in perfect condition, I had the wheels powder coated and installed a nice set of radial tires with the hope that the smaller diameter wheels would help with the engine straining problem, I figured that if it did not work I could sell the wheels at Hershey for a profit so it was a no lose situation.

I pleased to report it worked! my car's speedometer is now right on target and the combination of wheels, overdrive, and rear match the power of the engine perfectly and the car drives so much better with the 1935 wheels and radial tires, it handles like a modern 50s era car and feels so much more controllable.

Here is my drivetrain setup: Engine: Babbit with a 5.5 Head, Rear: 3:54 ring gear & pinion, Overdrive: Mitchel 26% Ratio, Tires:215/70R16

[Big hammer]

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Good to hear! Thanks for your post! Real life experience on what you have tried :-)
Over gearing or under gear is like black magic