Hi all. I have a basically stock '32 fordor with 8BA, original trans, torque tube, 4:11 diff and uncut ch***is. I would like to improve the drive ability of it by replacing the original 3 speed. Would like preferably a 5 speed with overdrive for highway driving. Don't want to cut original centre x member at all. Don't mind going to open drive shaft if I have to. Would appreciate to hear others comments and what others have done. Please post relevant pictures if you have them. May I say " thanks " in advance.
What you want to do is not possible I.e. fitting a T5 without cutting the center x member.Have a look at CTaulbert thread on this in his 32 5 window which details it nicely. If it was possible he would have done it.
Thanks Not having the gearbox makes it hard to know, and nothing to measure. I also wondered about toyota 5 speeds or early ford 3 speed with overdrive
I would recommend that you look into a Mitchell overdrive if you want to keep your frame and running gear intact. It fits into the torque tube and would require no other modifications except for fitting the shifter.
There's some bell housings made in the southern hemisphere that mate some weird transmissions to flatheads. Maybe they might fit into the K member. But a common T5 won't fit without cutting.
My son has a Toyota Supra in his 32 roadster so I will ask him what was involved but he is also running a Customline rear axle and I ***ume you want to keep your torque tube? How about a diff ratio change as I guess you have the hillclimbing 4.11. A change to a 3.54 gives a 14 % reduction in revs. Then there is the Mitchell overdrive as suggested by 5280A2
Thanks Had never heard of a mitchell overdrive drive until you mentioned it. Various others down here that could be adapted, seem to be cable operated.
Yes, I have been looking at toyota 5 speed as an option but harder to find now, also the prices of the gearboxes here are getting ridiculous, due to the drifting/ boy racers.
Would like to hear more about the supra option Change of diff ratio would help I already went to taller tyres to help with this. Do Model A crown wheel and pinion fit in '32/'34 diff housing?
We have a Toymota celica 5 speed in our 37 coupe, back then they were in junk yards, we harvested ours from a 6 cyl celica. It has taken some spirited starts and the 276 flathead has bags of torque. Been there 20 yrs and still ok. Can't remember the exact details but it was an easy swap, I do know we welded a Toyota clutch spline into the flathead plate. Would i do it again, yes, but for tradition NO. Same for other stuff like the 9", no not again.
Thanks The toyota 5 speed will easily handle my requirements, and give better drivability. I have one behind a sbc. I may still pursue this line. As to the traditional aspect, tremecs and similar are in many traditional looking rods, but still seem to be acceptable. Clemens.
Thanks Seems to be the simplest swap. I Have heard varying comments on this set up. Still unsure if it is worth pursuing. Clemens.
The ol' flathead is quite a torquey lil engine that has a "sweet spot" where it is best driven. Modern highway speeds [above pre-war 40mph] could benefit from higher gearing/ or overdrive. The reason I posted that link is because it was done in NZ. The gearbox used has almost identical gear ratios in the lower 3 gears [+ O/D 4th] ,and using the adaptor method in that thread will retain stock speedo drive. As a road-racer I can tell you this! The higher the RPM's [and power curve] the closer the gears ratios need to be stacked. [1-2 being wider.........3-4 closer etc] There will be no advantage in having a close ratio box behind a flatty [eg:supra] If you must use a Toyota Gearbox, Hi-Ace internals can be swapped over [or use an early 80's Hi-Ace steering column and have 5 speed on the tree ]
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