Overdrive Question - No, it hasn't been asked...I searched...

[fedoragent]

Folks,

I have 2 Overdrive questions. I rode in a fell P15-D24 member's 47 yesterday. He has an overdrive and I'm wanting an overdrive now. I found a guy with a 53 flat six, tranny and rear end from a a Cranbrook. Do you know if those engines came with the overdrive?

Second question is, since I don't have an overdrive at all, does anyone know what modifications need to be done to add an overdrive to my stock 47 Plymouth P15?

Thanks,

FG.

[Young Ed]

Both easy answers. Yes a 53 could have overdrive. It was an option. To add one to your stock 47 you'll need to switch transmissions. OD is the same length as a 3spd so no driveshaft mods. Your speedo cable will switch sides so you might need a longer one. You'll also need to add a cable inside to control it and a kickdown switch and a relay.

[fedoragent]

Both easy answers. Yes a 53 could have overdrive. It was an option. To add one to your stock 47 you'll need to switch transmissions. OD is the same length as a 3spd so no driveshaft mods. Your speedo cable will switch sides so you might need a longer one. You'll also need to add a cable inside to control it and a kickdown switch and a relay.

Ed,

Have you done it to your car? And 'legal' speed limit in California is 65mph. Would it be difficult or harmful to a P15 engine to go 65 - 75 mpg w/o the overdrive?

Thanks,

FG.

[Young Ed]

Nope but I've done it to a 50 and 51. I have an OD I might put in mine but so far I haven't. I put a 3.73 rear end in mine and go 65 without harm

[steveplym]

I've added an overdrive to my '47. Did it last fall. A wonderful modification and it drives like a dream. As it appears you have experienced. I'd be glad to answer any questions you have. There are several different ways to set it up as you probably have figured out when you searched.

I added an overdrive cable which locks it out and had to add the od relay. Put it on the left inner fender. Then put a "normally closed" push button switch on the left side of the dash. That is my kickdown switch. You can get the carburetor mounted one and punch the accelerator to the floor to kick it out of od, but this push button will kick it out as well. I have the electronic ignition and it will not cut out my ignition as originally figured in the wiring diagram. So I just let off the accelerator and push the button and it kicks it out. Governor does most of the work on my OD.

I have had it up to 65-70 without any trouble. I don't like to drive that fast very often, but it will drop the engine rpm's down about 800rpm compared to standard trans at 55mph.

Careful without the OD though. It winds up pretty tight at 60mph.

[hkestes41]

I have added an OD from a 53 Suburban to my 48 Club Coupe and have to say that in my opinion it (or another OD solution ) is most likely the single best modification that can be made to these cars.

My 48 is my daily driver and with the OD I have no issues running with traffic in and around Dallas including on the tollway where the 60 MPH speed limit is for the most part only a suggestion.

I wired mine just as is shown on the factory diagram with the exception of the wire to the distributor to cut the ignition during kickdown. Drilled out a pre-existing hole larger on the lower lip of the left side of the dash and inserted the stock kickdown switch plunger through the hole. When I want to kickdown out of OD just let off the gas and push the plunger with my finger and drop back into 3rd gear direct.

Other than the wiring part of things was a direct bolt in. Also my car is converted to 12V, running the 6V govenor and solenoid with absolutely no issues.

[fedoragent]

Now I just need to find one...

FG.

[steveplym]

I have added an OD from a 53 Suburban to my 48 Club Coupe and have to say that in my opinion it (or another OD solution ) is most likely the single best modification that can be made to these cars.

My 48 is my daily driver and with the OD I have no issues running with traffic in and around Dallas including on the tollway where the 60 MPH speed limit is for the most part only a suggestion.

I wired mine just as is shown on the factory diagram with the exception of the wire to the distributor to cut the ignition during kickdown. Drilled out a pre-existing hole larger on the lower lip of the left side of the dash and inserted the stock kickdown switch plunger through the hole. When I want to kickdown out of OD just let off the gas and push the plunger with my finger and drop back into 3rd gear direct.

Other than the wiring part of things was a direct bolt in. Also my car is converted to 12V, running the 6V govenor and solenoid with absolutely no issues.

Same here on the 12V. I have the switch plunger in the same location as well. OD, 12V and Langdon ignition have been the best upgrades to mine in my opinion. Not to mention the upgrade to new modern u-joints was a good idea as well.

[Harvey Tank]

Steveplym! do you have a 6 volt OD solenoid? with 11/4" shaft.

[fedoragent]

BTW, how fast on the freeway would I be able to tool around on just my stock P15 w/o the overdrive? Just out of curiosity...

Thanks,

FG.

[TodFitch]

BTW, how fast on the freeway would I be able to tool around on just my stock P15 w/o the overdrive? Just out of curiosity...

Thanks,

FG.

http://www.ply33.com/Misc/speed

Depends on tires and your rear end. Assuming a 4.11:1 rear and 16-6.00 tires it should run all day at 65MPH. That works out to 3200 RPM, so it will sound like it is spinning over pretty good and a lot of "modern ears" don't like it but the engine should deal with it just fine as long as it is in decent condition.

In my 1933 with its 4.375:1 rear end and 17-5.25 tires I drive about 60 MPH (same RPM on the engine as 65 would be on yours) when actually trying to get somewhere. Last week we were in Tahoe. Did not do that fast climbing the grades, but on the flats and on the freeway in and out of the Bay Area we spent several hours at a time running that fast.

[michael.warshaw]

i have a od tranny idf your interested thanks mike w

[fedoragent]

i have a od tranny idf your interested thanks mike w

FYI, sent you a PM.

[steveplym]

Steveplym! do you have a 6 volt OD solenoid? with 11/4" shaft.

Nope I'm using the only solenoid I have. You can try Neil Riddle he probably has what you need. seaplym@hotmail.com

[Powerhouse]

Ed,

Have you done it to your car? And 'legal' speed limit in California is 65mph. Would it be difficult or harmful to a P15 engine to go 65 - 75 mpg w/o the overdrive?

Thanks,

FG.

heh...depending on engine condition it's ok...but not preferable. I have a floorshift OD in the 39 from a 36 Chrysler. BEST thing I ever did for the car. DO IT! You won't be disappointed.

Edited August 11, 2010 by Powerhouse

[fedoragent]

heh...depending on engine condition it's ok...but not preferable. I have a floorshift OD in the 39 from a 36 Chrysler. BEST thing I ever did for the car. DO IT! You won't be disappointed.

M,

Do you or Josh know of anyone that might have one?

FG.

[hkestes41]

Ed,

Have you done it to your car? And 'legal' speed limit in California is 65mph. Would it be difficult or harmful to a P15 engine to go 65 - 75 mpg w/o the overdrive?

Thanks,

FG.

Even with an OD 65 - 75 mpg is going to be tough.

[fedoragent]

Folks,

Found an overdrive that fits a 55-59 Plymouth V6. Would it work with my P15?

FG.

[BobT-47P15]

Well, first off, they didn't make a V6 those years.

If it is a flathead six, I'd say it should work.

Does it say R10 on the case?

[fedoragent]

Well, first off, they didn't make a V6 those years.

If it is a flathead six, I'd say it should work.

Does it say R10 on the case?

I did some research...the ad was bogus...doggone it.

FG.

[Don Coatney]

Have you contacted George Asche in your quest for an overdrive? He repairs and sells overdrive transmissions. A phone call is required as he does not do the internet.

George Asche

1693 Fertigs Road

Venus, PA 16364

814-354-2621

[fedoragent]

Have you contacted George Asche in your quest for an overdrive? He repairs and sells overdrive transmissions. A phone call is required as he does not do the internet.

George Asche

1693 Fertigs Road

Venus, PA 16364

814-354-2621

Don,

I will call Mr. Asche tomorrow. I didn't have his contact information.

Thanks,

Jon

[Don Coatney]

Don,

I will call Mr. Asche tomorrow. I didn't have his contact information.

Thanks,

Jon

His contact information is in the links section of the main web page supporting this forum. Be prepaired for a long phone call. Tell him hi for me.

[BobT-47P15]

Plymouth used the flathead six engine up thru 1959.

Of course, the V8 came along in 1955.

So, it's possible to find an overdrive car thru 59.

Borg Warner R10 was used as far as I know. Not an expert.

[Young Ed]

Bob after 57 they used a diff OD. You need a 56 and earlier.