So about 10 years ago I sold a '51 ford Tudor with a built tasty flathead with 3 speed O/D, and I missed it ever since. Just bought a scary similar 51 (same color) which is also a 6 cyl. car as was the first. I am building another ,what should be really nice flatmotor for it. For the first car, I found a 3 speed with overdrive trans. which worked GREAT. I am now sourcing all the bits, as well as the trans itself, to do again, but I am wondering if going with a common 5 spd might be better? WELCOME ALL COMMENTS!
I've got the auto 4 speed in mine, and often wish it was the 5 speed. I don't mind a 3ott, but I probably wouldn't put one in if I was building. Just my 2 cents tho. Opinions are like.... Well, you know.
Well, several thoughts... The flat 6 was a really good engine. Many say it was a better engine than the V8 with surprising performance. The stock 3.73 rear and standard transmission in my 51 V8 Coupe, gets around really, really well. I see no need for any type of overdrive. 5 speed? You may have issues with the shifter being in the seat depending on what 5 speed. Then there's the clutch. I would not do it. I just don't see the big gain with a 5 speed OD. The only gain I see at all with any OD is on a car with a 4.11 rear.
Thanks guys for the responses, I remember how I really enjoyed the 3 spd w O/D, and I agree the flat 6 does run out pretty good, but I have SO many desirable parts, I am going to build another flat 8. SO, I will continue my search for a decent O/D trans, they're out there, just too often far away.
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