High speed rear end: manual vs. overdrive

JasonNC

I have installed a 307 rear end from a 1953 Hornet in my 49 Super Six. It has an overdrive transmission in it, but I also have a spare manual transmission that I've been told might be a better option if I plan to drive a lot in the nearby mountains.  I'm not even sure if the overdrive transmission even works properly but I know the manual one is ok.  Any comments pro or con will be appreciated.  

Ric West IN

You are not going to be happy with that axle and an overdrive.  If you like working that hard, I would switch out the O.D. and install standard trans.   Then sell the O.D. to pay yourself for some of your time and labor.

"Ric"

Geoff

The analogy of a bicycle is the best way to describe.   Ever tried riding your bike into a headwind in the highest gear?  You are working much harder and cannot maintain speed.  Listen to what Ken says.

Frankvintagefullflowcom

Yeah, but downhill with a strong tailwind is really cool!

Geoff

Helps if you have had a feed of baked beans with onions

allan

I have the Hudson 3.78 or 3.58 (out of a '51) coupled with overdrive and 7X engine in my Hollywood.  In overdrive my power band starts at 70MPH and I can easily run 80 and 85 without even breathing on the accelerator.  My opinion is the 3.07 is way too tall for overdrive.

JasonNC

Great.  I wish I had posted this discussion before I had that 3:07 rebuilt.  I wonder if it will fit on my 54 Kaiser which is an automatic.  Even if it's the same Dana rear end, at least it is new.  

Uncle Josh

Kinda makes a difference what the terrain is too.  Up here in the Adirondack mountains, you don't want anything taller than a 4.56 with the OD.  And it's still only running 2200 plus or minus on the open road where it's flat and still giving 19 mpg