Jump to content

Overdrive or high speed gears in 1603 Sedan


scott12180

Recommended Posts

Hi all ---

I have an opportunity to buy a 1938 1603 Sedan. The car runs and drives (needs TLC) but really could use a higher gear ratio than what's on it --- something like a 4.69.

Has anyone put an overdrive into a car like this? If so, what brand and gear ratios? I figure there's not alot of room under there to mount just any kind of overdrive.

Alternatively, are high speed gears still available now that Phil Bray has passed on?

My Packard experience has been with 1920's cars, so this would be "modern" to me. :-)

Thanks -- Scott

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I put an R11 overdrive in my 38 Jr. coupe and it made a BIG difference - reduced my RPM by 22-25%. I converted it to the cane shifter and had to do some frame modifications. I not sure if the R11 from a Jr will fit your car (just happen to have a spare R11). If you are ever in RI come check out the difference with and without OD. I did do a quick test and at 2500 RPM I'm doing 66 MPH

Edited by Phils38cpe (see edit history)
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Lloyd Young in Canal-Winchester, Ohio can adapt an overdrive (30% reduction) to the differential, and you can have the driveshaft shortened to compensate.

That way, when you are doing 60 mph, your engine thinks the car is doing only 42 mph.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...