Transmission question[s]

Patrick L.

Patrick L.

Well-known member
1. Are there any higher ratio [1-2] gears available without having to buy the complete transmission from Mitchell ?
2. Are there any synchronized gears available that will fit the 'A' box ?
3. Is there another synchronized transmission that kinda bolts right it without too many changes ?
 
Ummmm....

1) No.

2) No.

3) Define "kinda bolts right in...". The without too many changes 'q' probably makes that one a "No" too. There are some kits available that bolt in with minor modifications and utilize an F-150 Ford pick-up transmission but unless I am second guessing your motives, I suspect the answer is still No.

.
 
OK, thanks, kinda what I thought but I thought I'd ask the experts.. I don't have a problem making some modifications to install another transmission ,but, if I ever change my mind I might want to go back to original fairly easily..
 
You can buy and adapter from Clings for $475 that will adapt a 1939 style transmission to the back of a Model A engine. Then that is a "Kinda bolt in" modification.

https://www.clingsaftermarket.com/addtocart.asp?prod=43

You loose the pedal mount, wishbone mount and emergency brake mount that is on a stock Model A transmission, but this kit includes the adapters to rectify that.

This will give you synchromesh for easier shifting, and comfortable up shifting, but not give you more speed.
 
Patrick L. said:
1. Are there any higher ratio [1-2] gears available without having to buy the complete transmission from Mitchell ?
2. Are there any synchronized gears available that will fit the 'A' box ?
3. Is there another synchronized transmission that kinda bolts right it without too many changes ?
Click to expand...

Patrick,
As to Q #3. I have put a '39 syncro trans into my '30 roadster with the kit that can be purchased from various parts dealers. Works very well, with high speed rearend, although the final drive ratio is not changed(1:1) So easy..I could do it:)!
I added a lightened flywhl and V8 clutch package and zepher gears. The gear change/upgrade made for loonnger/better running between shifts on first and second AND second and high. Nothing on frame had to be modified. Smooth/pleasurable driver.
BTW...it seems that most guys are going to more modern iron with four to five speed ability. Ergo...more '39 boxes should be available. This seems so even with the 'early V8' group. Good luck.
 
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Patrick L. said:
OK, thanks, kinda what I thought but I thought I'd ask the experts.. I don't have a problem making some modifications to install another transmission ,but, if I ever change my mind I might want to go back to original fairly easily..
Click to expand...

If you don't mind, please let me ask you a few questions regarding this.

In your own mind, WHAT are you trying to accomplish with a different transmission? In my line of work I find that many people have many goals with their car so I am not sure there is a right or wrong answer however I can tell you that if you are going to build a good engine (hi-comp head, Stipe IB330 or 335 cam, O/S valves, etc.) you will have plenty of torque where 4th & 5th gears of modern transmissions are totally unnecessary.

To me one of the most perfect combinations out there right now is a 3.27 R/E gear ratio with a Mitchell synchro-ed transmission fitted with the stock 1st gear ratio, and a 15% faster 2nd gear, ...and coupled behind an engine just like I mentioned. It will scoot all day long at 65 mph and has plenty of power to accelerate with traffic with only 3 gears. Best of all, it looks 110% stock. I have yet to see or hear of anyone who did this combo that regretted it. I do know of folks who have done the S-10 trans or the F-150 conversion that have regretted it.

My point to you is sometime we try to "over-engineer" ourselves with a Model 'A' adding all this modern stuff. Sure Henry made improvements as he went along but if you stop and think about it, the simplicity of these cars as they were originally manufactured is what makes them unique. If you put all the later parts on one (i.e.: hyd. brakes, '39 trans, etc.) you might as well go ahead and just purchase a flathead V-8 car and be done with it.

Just my 2 cents............ :cool:
 
I have a 39 transmission with a new gearset, lightened flywheel, V8 clutch, newly rebuilt engine, Brierley cam, new chinese crankshaft, inserts, Brumfield head and mitchell overdrive. I use the overdrive as the 4th gear the Model A is missing to go 60mph easily without over-revving the engine(I haven't checked but assume I have the standard 3.78 rear end and I bought the overdrive unit including rear end ready to slip under the car, thanks Niel Mylar of southern Ca). The Model A transmission it replaced shifted exceptionally well. I don't miss not having syncro however. Couldn't be happier with the performance. No regrets here. Can't tell unless you look under the car. No one has commented it is not original but then again I don't run into other Model A owners often especially ones that tell me how many things are wrong with my car. Can't recall seeing another Model A driving around town except on car show weekends.
 
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