Gear Vendors Under/Overdrive Systems With Manual Transmission

[razor66]

I have a 66 Mustang Fastback with a Top Loader 4-speed transmission and am considering installing one of the Gear Vendors under/overdrive systems. I would like to get some input from anyone who has installed one of these systems, preferably in conjunction with a manual transmission, in regards to how satisfied you are with the performance along with any information/advice you could provide regarding the installation that might be beneficial. Thanks..... razor66

[oestek]

We asked Rick Johnson from GearVendors that same question.. .here's a video interview with his input on a Richmond style non-overdrive manual. Looks like fun, we're going to try it on a car.

loRTjBPa2Hk

[razor66]

We asked Rick Johnson from GearVendors that same question.. .here's a video interview with his input on a Richmond style non-overdrive manual. Looks like fun, we're going to try it on a car.

loRTjBPa2Hk

Kevin, thanks for the video from the SEMA show. Definitely shows the Gear Vendors units can stand up to a lot of horsepower. When do you plan to try it, and what transmission do you plan to use it with? I hope to get some information concerning how the Auto mode works as well as switching in and out of overdrive in manual mode with a manual transmission. How well/smooth does it shift in and out of overdrive during manual shifts and is it practical to do in all gears or perhaps only as a high gear overdrive and perhaps 1st gear as well?

Thanks again and look forward to getting additional input to help me with my decision as the cost of these units aren't too cheap - at least for me anyway :( , so I want to make the most informed decision I can considering both performance and how much work/modifications might be needed to install. razor66

[oestek]

We're planning on using one behind a Muncie. GV says the gear spread in the trans will dictate how practical it is to use as a 1st over or 2nd over, etc. My advise - call them, ask to talk to Rick, and he'll give you the straight scoop on the shift characteristics and auto mode.

[razor66]

I do plan to give them a call to discuss it with them and had already sent an inquiry through their Web site, but I haven't received a response yet. I thought I would get as much information as I could from people have installed in a similar application as mine to be able to ask more informed questions. I have read a few posts on a couple of other forums that had issues trying to use them except for basically an overdrive in high gear but those were with using the GV unit in combination with automatic transmissions. I have also seen some information concerning their install in early model Mustangs such as mine, but those were with automatic transmissions as well. Overall, the feedback I have found so far sounds like the install isn't too bad with only minor modifications to make room for it in addition to having to shorten the drive shaft and compensate for the change in driveline angles by either by lowering the transmission crossmember or shimming the rearend to raise the pinion angle. I hope this would be similar mods needed to install with a manual transmission as well.

The other option that I am considering, which I just found out about a couple of days ago, is that McLeod is in the process of making new 5-speed transmissions that are supposed to be a "direct fit" replacement for a few different 4-speed manual transmissions including the Muncie and Top Loader. They claim it is supposed to be "very affordable", and have been testing it at 1000 ft-lbs of torque with no failures so far. It looks like they plan to release it in March of next year. If it was a true direct replacement with no modifications required to install it, in my case to replace a Top Loader in my 66 Mustang, and at an affordable price, we will see what their definition of affordable is as it may be different than mine, then I would definitely have to consider it as an option to the Gear Vendors with my current transmission.

I will plan to report what additional information I find out after speaking to GV, and still hope to hear from someone on the forum that has installed the GV with a manual 4-speed. Thanks again for the information and input..... razor66

[roger55]

I have a 66 Mustang Fastback with a Top Loader 4-speed transmission and am considering installing one of the Gear Vendors under/overdrive systems. I would like to get some input from anyone who has installed one of these systems, preferably in conjunction with a manual transmission, in regards to how satisfied you are with the performance along with any information/advice you could provide regarding the installation that might be beneficial. Thanks..... razor66

Frankly, I can't see any reason to buy the GV unit.

Go with a T56 Magnum 6 speed for the same price. The Magnum is rated at 700 ft-lbs and comes in a wide ratio or close ratio version.

The .78 from the GV unit isn't that much. Any overdrive transmission you can buy will have more reduction than that.