Cost is the primary driver, but so is gear ratio. The OD is 0.8 or 0.82, while
several 5 speeds (but not the majority) simply have the close ratios in 2&3, and
a 1.0:1 5th gear (my porsche for example - and the 4 speed is actually quicker
0-60 because you need one extra shift that takes time).
Phil Bates
69 Porsche 911T targa 5 speed
Tab Julius wrote:
> Sounds good. The 5 kit is much more expensive, but I didn't know if you'd
> get a better ratio, or if the OD was far more prone to breakdown.
>
> Assuming neither is true, then I can probably save a bunchabux and stay
> with the OD plan. I'm sure the money could be better put to use elsewhere
> (Weber conversion perhaps? :)
>
> Thanks
>
> - Tab
>
> At 08:40 PM 8/7/00 -0700, Max Heim wrote:
> >I don't see the benefit of a 5-speed, unless it was significantly cheaper
> >and/or easier to install (not the case). The 5th gear is almost always an
> >overdrive ratio, so the net effect is the same. And if it isn't an
> >overdrive ratio, then you don't gain the benefits of OD, you just get
> >closer ratios (for what purpose?).
> >
> >I assume the reason contemporary cars have 5-speeds is that it is cheaper
> >(and more space-efficient) to build the extra economy/cruise gear into
> >the transmission than to add-on an overdrive system. But the old British
> >sports car makers were limited to the parts that were developed for the
> >mass-market sedans, and couldn't afford to develop a tranny specifically
> >for sporting use. But the OD did the trick then, and still does, IMHO.
> >
> >Tab Julius had this to say:
> >
> > >
> > >I'm looking to add OD to my '78B, having been so encouraged by everyone
> > >I've asked.
> > >
> > >However, I've become aware of a 5-speed conversion kit for the B. It's
> > >considerably more expensive than the OD, though.
> > >
> > >Anyone try it? Would it be preferably over the OD? Enough to justify the
> > >difference in cost? What about difficulty/time changing to 5-speed over
> > >installing an OD?
> > >
> > >Thanks in advance,
> > >
> > >- Tab
> > >
> >
> >
> >--
> >
> >Max Heim
> >'66 MGB GHN3L76149
> >If you're near Mountain View, CA,
> >it's the red one with the silver bootlid.
|