3-3,200 RPM at Highway Speeds

[texas_rat_trap]

I have a 1953 Ford Mainline with a 1964 223 cid and the original transmission & rear end, well at least I think they are original. Are any of you having the same problem as me, in that at 55-60 mph 3,000-3,200 RPM. I know its a 3 speed but why geared so low. Are there any options I have to fix this without a lot of modification...like will a later model auto trans bolt to this engine block. The car would fly down the Highway if it wasn't for the gearing problem. I need to be able to keep up with my buddies when cruising.

 

[fmartin_gila]

Best way to slow down the RPM's and keep very stock appearance would be to find and install a Borg-Warner 3spd w/OD. Next best would be to install a T5, but this will have to be floorshift.

Fred

 

[powerband]

I have a 1953 Ford Mainline with a 1964 223 cid and the original transmission & rear end, well at least I think they are original. Are any of you having the same problem as me, in that at 55-60 mph 3,000-3,200 RPM. I know its a 3 speed but why geared so low. Are there any options I have to fix this without a lot of modification...like will a later model auto trans bolt to this engine block. The car would fly down the Highway if it wasn't for the gearing problem. I need to be able to keep up with my buddies when cruising.

Common situation with modern interstate speeds in cars designed for rural byways. The Customline I drove had an OEM option-electrically operated OD with the 3OTT behind a Flathead. Other than suggested tranny swaps, - re-gearing the rear end to a higher ratio would work but may move concern to slower accel times...

I opted for T5 OD's behind my Falcon Six cars. With stock 3.50 rears they work well without the high RPM at modern speeds. Late 60's and 70's cars acomodated new interstate speeds typically with 2.80:1 or higher ratios compared to my 1950 coupe's 4:11:1.

 

[Fred]

You should have a 3.90 rear axle ratio assuming original parts. You can either add the overdrive or swap in the rear axle from an automatic transmission car with either 3.54 or 3.31 ratio. All non-heavy duty (mostly station wagon) rear axles from 52 to 56 are the same, so you can either swap the whole axle or just the drop out ring and pinion. Many of the '54 to '56 cars came with automatic so they are findable. I personally like overdrive, but it is a more involved installation. I don't recommend a T-5 because you don't need it. Either change the transmission to an overdrive or change the rear axle to an auto rear axle. Ford already did the engineering for you, don't make life harder than it needs to be.

 

[texas_rat_trap]

Great info guys. I think I'm gonna try to find an axle out of an auto trans car....Thanks again, Thought I did something wrong. Glad to know this is a common problem

 

[texas_rat_trap]

Best way to slow down the RPM's and keep very stock appearance would be to find and install a Borg-Warner 3spd w/OD. Next best would be to install a T5, but this will have to be floorshift.

Fred

What year / make / model would I find the Borg-Warner 3spd w/ OD?

 

[fmartin_gila]

The B-W 3spd w/OD was used in almost every make back in the day but now are very scarce to find and are getting expensive too. They show up on EBay now and then or one of the trans builders may have one. even a unit from a Ford car or pickup might need an adaptor to be installed in your vehicle, make sure you do your homework if you decide to go this route.

Fred

 

[powerband]

Since we're discussing it, I got interested in the 3Speed with OD for a replacement 3 speed with OD instead of the T5 on Falcon Six cars. I believe bolt patterns would match T-10 or Toploader trannys. The early 3 Speed trannys with OD AFAIK, all have non-synchro first gears. No big deal with OEM-non synchro 1st cars, but diminish usability for later cars.


Have Fun,

Dagenham 4 spd:
(pretty but made of glass)

 

[texas_rat_trap]

Dagenham 4 spd:
(pretty but made of glass)

[/quote]

Yeah that is one pretty trans....What is that out of & where can I find one? Is that trans a direct bolt in?

 

[Fred]

What year / make / model would I find the Borg-Warner 3spd w/ OD?

Ford first made Borg-Warner overdrive an option in '49, and continued offering it until sometime in the '60s. As previously mentioned Ford was not the only make to offer BW overdrive. For your car most car transmissions from '52 to '56 will fit. In 56 and maybe 55 Ford offered the T85 behind the highest powered V8 offered; you don't need a T85. The transmission style changed in 55 to a top loaded trans, but they still bolt in the same. I just installed a '56 top loader overdrive in a '52 sedan so I know they fit.