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How to O/D with what ....

Michaelfb

Michaelfb

Donation Time
Hello Alpiners,

I am new to this forum and have found an Alpine Series iv which I am looking at purchasing. Unfortunately this one, although in very good condition, does NOT have an O/D.
I have tried to find one and have not been very successful as they seem to be even scarcer than hens teeth. So I have a few questions for the team :
Are they Available ?
Is there a good alernative ( although I am a semi purist, I would not be that averse to putting something else in ) ?
Should I try and fine a O/D Alpine ( more hens teeth methinks )

Comments welcome

MGB Michael
 
MGB Michael,

Welcome to the forum.

There have been many discussions about OD's and possible substitutions on the forum. At this point though, the only real option is to find the factory OD - and other needed parts and pieces.. There has been an adapter plate produced to use a T5, but I haven't heard of a completed and working example - yet.

The real questions are about your skills, available resources, and what kind of budget you would consider needed to make your desire for OD happen.

It's going to be one of those "Pick two of the three choices because you can't have the third." (Cheap, quick, or quality.)

Food for thought,
 
I agree with you Don, thanks and I wish I could find a factory O/D ... I will keep trying though ...
 
OK

Keep in mind, the OD is not the rare part. That distinction goes to the transmission mainshaft, it's both unique to the OD installation and is a bit of the "weak link." Since you will almost certainly need both trans and OD assembled, you can search for a later all-synchro trans/OD unit as well.

link to service and parts manuals:



THIS link is just for a comparison - your signature - maybe halfway across the county from me:


Good luck,
 
Just because the car you're looking at doesn't have an O/D doesn't mean you shouldn't consider it.
I had an SIV for 32 years and drove it everywhere, almost daily, and it didn't have an O/D. I drove it on
highways as well as back roads with no issues. Reliable as the day is long!

I always thought an O/D would be nice but never put one in. They are available, rebuilt from England
but they won't be cheap, think somewhere in the 3K (+) area. You should contact Jeff Howarth on this
forum. He can let you know what they are going for these days.
 
Last edited:
Michaelfb said:
Hello Alpiners,

I am new to this forum and have found an Alpine Series iv which I am looking at purchasing. Unfortunately this one, although in very good condition, does NOT have an O/D.
I have tried to find one and have not been very successful as they seem to be even scarcer than hens teeth. So I have a few questions for the team :
Are they Available ?
Is there a good alernative ( although I am a semi purist, I would not be that averse to putting something else in ) ?
Should I try and fine a O/D Alpine ( more hens teeth methinks )

Comments welcome

MGB Michael
Click to expand...
I have an original trans/overdrive unit that appears to be complete, however I am not an expert on them. From what I can tell, the unit itself looks fine and I have the mainshaft from the transmission. With that being said, shipping to Canada would be a barrier.
 
Thanks all so far, all comments welcome. I currently have a 1976 MGB which had O/D that did not work, I stripped it, serviced it and now works fine.
I drove the MG for many miles without the working O/D before I picked up the courage to strip it and although the O/D did make a difference, it worked well with the working O/D so I am going to go ahead with this one ( if all falls into place ) and then, if necessary, will look at O/D options.
The "no overdrive" will not stop me from buying it ... :)
 
belmateo said:
I have an original trans/overdrive unit that appears to be complete, however I am not an expert on them. From what I can tell, the unit itself looks fine and I have the mainshaft from the transmission. With that being said, shipping to Canada would be a barrier.
Click to expand...
Whereabouts in this cool world are you and can you send me some pictures of the O/D you have and some history on it if possible ?
 
I have both an overdrive in my Harrington and a 5 speed in my MG TD. The big advantage of the 5 speed is the synchro first gear, unless you were lucky enough to get a Series V trans and OD. Dellows used to make the adapting bellhousing for a Toyota 5 speed, but don't have it listed on their website. Might be worth an email. George Coleman was happy with his 5 speed Alpine.
 
Thanks, I see that they are available. I have not aquired it yet, have to sell the MGB first, hopefully soon .... :)
 
belmateo said:
I can do that and you can also check the ebay/craigslist discovery section of the forum where you will find this one complete and ready to bolt in.
View attachment 35341View attachment 35341
Click to expand...
@belmateo Is this your trans? It looks very clean, does the mainshaft turn freely? What are the date code on the other side of the trans.. or. If you move the shifter is there a sprung lockout on the right or left? This will determine full synchro or not.

Do you still have the tail shaft and the column switch and relay from that car?
 
Mike,
It is not mine, I found it on Craigslist. The one I have is basically just the overdrive unit and the tailshaft from the transmission. Far from complete. I will try to post pics if that helps.
 
belmateo said:
Mike,
It is not mine, I found it on Craigslist. The one I have is basically just the overdrive unit and the tailshaft from the transmission. Far from complete. I will try to post pics if that helps.
Click to expand...
Ah, if you only have the OD unit and the alpine tailshaft housing then the main part required is missing. The mainshaft that attaches the OD to gearbox... The adaptor plate too.. but they are easier to get and could be made without much issue

I'm really amazed after the 30 years I've been involved with the cars.. and the 25± on the forum how we haven't all got together and had runs of all synchro OD mainshafts made to allow conversion of full sync boxes into OD boxes.
 
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