Curiosity question

[pflaming]

Is the overdrive the only way to have less than  1:1 engine to drive shaft ratio? Are some five speed transmissions in effect overdrives in gear five? 

[Plymouthy Adams]

some 4 speed manuals are OD, most all modern 5 speeds are OD and many of the later 6-8 speeds are multiples of OD.....My early 70's foreign cars with 5 speeds are OD in both 4th and 5th.....it is not new...

[pontiacguy]

The A833 trans used in later model Mopars (60s-80s) came as a 3 spd w/OD (4spd). Its tough as nails and also made it into some GM products (trucks) as late as the 80s and early 90s. Good aftermarket support at a trans supply house.  I plan to use it in my build behind my Hemi. I am pretty sure the input shaft is the right length too. The T5 was very prolific starting in the mid 80s and carried into the early 2000s. Also good aftermarket support and a wide variety of gear ratios. The T56 is a 6 spd (2 ODs). Too expensive IMO, big and ratios are all geared toward V8 cars. The T3650 from late mustangs is a 5 spd. Came in V6 and V8 versions. There are some others out there but they are pricey and geared toward v8s as well. I use T5s in all my cars. I have built several. Ill be glad to answer any questions that I can.