Anyone using BOTH Mitchell Transmission and Overdrive units

Pat Martone

Pat Martone

Senior Member
I was wondering if anyone here is using BOTH the Mitchell transmission (with 1st and 2nd being synchro-ed and 15% higher gearing), along with the Mitchell overdrive?

(I realize that's a very expensive mod, almost $4300 for the ****** and overdrive units, and not including installation.)

I have heard from one owner that he got the Overdrive first and added the Mitchell ****** later and he felt the addition of the synchro-ed and higher-geared (1st and 2nd) ****** really improved his driving capabilities and enjoyment, and ability to keep up with traffic. I think he mentioned that when climbing hills and going from 2nd to 3rd, there was a problem with the original ******, because the car would have to slow down too much while waiting for the correct rpm drop to shift into 3rd, if that makes sense?

Any comments would be appreciated.

Thank you.
 
Yeah, they work great together, ....if that is what the goal is. To me it solely depends on how you drive. Split-shifting with an overdrive works very well which effectively gives you 6 forward gears. Even if you had 15 forwards gears like some 18-wheelers do, would you have the perfect gear ratio all the time? Since I do not know the hill your friend speaks of, I cannot pass judgment however shifting back to 2nd with a non-synchro-ed transmission is easy enough to do if you know how. Using 2nd gear in O/D makes pulling a hill seem effortless.

Ironically, I hear about folks talk where they have an overdrive and an engine with a Tour regrind cam and they speak about how they must shift. If you have a good original or a Stipe IB series cam, then the torque of that cam allows the engine to lug down where the RPMs are low enough that it is super easy to drop back to 2nd. I say if you have the $4300, then go for it. Rarely do you ever hear of folks who removed their Mitchell O/D or Synchro unit because they did not like it!!
 
I didn't know 1st and 2nd were synchro-ed, must be something new.. I'd certainly buy one if thats the way they now are..
 
The combination of the syncro trans and overdrive works great. We have the same combination on two of our heavy Fordors. Great for touring on any terain. You might as well inject a few $$ to the engine at the same time.
 
Around here the ****** would be of great importance-not from the hills but from the stop lights. The lights here will change on you in a split second from green to red bypassing yellow. So the synchro 3rd to 2nd would be great.

Mike
 
they make an all synco 4 speed with 4th as a od .

sorry , not mitchell
 
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I have just completed restoration of a 1929 Town Sedan. I put both Mitchel Transmission and Overdrive in and I really like them. I have driven over 4000 miles since I installed them. I also have to 4-11 rear end. I have plenty of power on take off and I don't do bad on top end. I have has her up to 70 mph and it is there if I need it. I don't recommend driving at 70 mph in a Model A.
I also have the touring engine in with the 6:1 Snyder head.
 
I have both the Mitchell (synchro 15% 2nd, 3rd, and reverse) transmission and the OD but haven't installed them yet...been too busy. Just got done with the Snyder 6.1 HC head and love the difference it made.
 
Hi:
I have a 26% Mitchell overdrive with a 15% 1st & 2nd gear 2nd & 3rd (only) is synchronized Mitchell transmission in my 28 Tudor. My Model A gets a lot of touring miles on black top & dirt back roads and is a pleasure driving on any road. Good on long grades with a selection of gears to get up the hills. Shifts fast keeping your momentum up. I use 3.78’s and the car runs along on highways with ease. Installing is a snap everything fits like it should. Pulling the pinion gear is hardest job.
Mike
 
I find that the stock trans will shift fairly fast up or down if it,s double clutched.For me at least,a lot of the charm of the A is lost when you go to a synchroed trans,although it makes it easier for women to drive.
 
msmaron said:
What does the synchro overdrive do??
Click to expand...

It allows you to shift into/out of overdrive with only clutching once. If you get good at it and can judge rpm you dont have to clutch while engaging overdrive.... But then again, its not hard to shift the standard model a ****** without clutching also.
 
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