40 Plymouth P-9 OD

[blueskies]

Pete
Thanks for the post. Actually I have been following the OD saga on P15-D24 fourm. I have been enjoying the pics you have posted on there and the web site already. As near as I can determine I have what is known as the "fast 2nd gear" and would like to retain the feature with OD. Based on what you have done and published I hope to take the same path as you.
Great Job!
Thanks
Don

I'd be happy to help if I can, just drop me a line when you've got a question...

Pete

[Don St Peter]

Pete
Thanks for the post. Actually I have been following the OD saga on P15-D24 fourm. I have been enjoying the pics you have posted on there and the web site already. As near as I can determine I have what is known as the "fast 2nd gear" and would like to retain the feature with OD. Based on what you have done and published I hope to take the same path as you.
Great Job!
Thanks
Don

[blueskies]

Thanks to all for the OD input. Based on your comments and my future travel plans, I've decided to install an overdrive and keep the original rear end for the time being. I've decided to undertake the project myself. so my post frequency will probably go UP.
Thanks Again
Don

Don-

Which OD are you going to run?  The R-7 or the R10?  I put a '55 Dodge R-10 in my '50 Plymouth, and love it.  I did a write-up of the rebuild, installation, wiring, etc on my website, http://www.50plymouth.com, some of the info may be usefull to your project.

Pete

[Don St Peter]

Thanks to all for the OD input. Based on your comments and my future travel plans, I've decided to install an overdrive and keep the original rear end for the time being. I've decided to undertake the project myself. so my post frequency will probably go UP.
Thanks Again
Don

[Jim Benjaminson]

You asked for my opinion!  So here it is.  The 1940 has a stump pulling rear end ratio.  Remember these cars were designed for pulling thru mud, etc., on the less than perfect roads most people had to live with 60+ years ago.  By adding an overdrive, you will drop that ratio from 4.1 to probably about 3.5 or so.  Acceleration won't be as brisk but the difference in road speed vs. engine rpm will be worth it.  When my Dad owned my '40 Plymouth, he installed a 3.5 ratio rear end.  (Don't know what it came out of - never thought to ask him when he was still with us to ask!).  But the car runs nicely at highway speed.  Its no stoplight drag race queen but who cares!

[TodFitch]

Since removal of my original transmission just today in preparation for shipment to Pa. for an overdrive installation, I've heard that I may not have enough power ( original engine ) to accommodate OD.
Can anyone in the know give me a reading on this?
I would certainly like to hear Jim B's opinion. My primary reason for the installation is in preparation for Route 66 travel in 2008.
Thanks
Don

I know of a fellow in Portland, OR who has an overdrive transmission on his 190 cu. in., 70 HP 1933 PD convertible. So it would seem there he thinks there is enough power there.

I just get by cruising at between 55 and 60 MPH with my stock 1933 drive train (4.375:1 rear end, non-synchromesh 3 speed transmission, 70 HP 190 cu. in. engine). Drove it that way from Baltimore, MD to California in 1978. And just a week ago drove it that way on a 640 mile "local" trip.

Seems like it is your choice on the way to go.

[36 Ply]

Don St. Peter-

We travelled Route 66 in 1997; from Bloomington IL to Vinita OK, in our '36 convertible with a tired, stock engine. It also has the original? 3 speed tranny (no OD). We managed to cruise at 52 mph with no problem, but I suspect that you are looking for a higher cruising speed than that.

Regards,

Pat O'Connor

[Go Fleiter]

for Overdrive contact George Asche, the P9 engine should do, if not too tired or worn.

Asche Mechanic Distributors
George Asche
1693 Fertigs Road
Venus, Pennsylvania 16364
(814) 354-2621

[Don St Peter]

Since removal of my original transmission just today in preperation for shipment to Pa. for an overdrive installation, I've heard that I may not have enough power ( original engine ) to accomodate OD.
Can anyone in the know give me a reading on this?
I would certainly like to hear Jim B's opinion. My primiary reason for the installation is in preparation for Route 66 travel in 2008.
Thanks
Don