Shown below are pictures of the Model A transmission which is rebuilt by Mitchell Manufacturing using all new internal gears and 2nd and 3rd gear synchronizers. This transmission comes with a 15% higher 2nd gear.
Be cautious of increasing only the 2nd gear ratio to 15%. It is questionable if it is worth the cost just for the synchros and improved 2nd gear, without also getting the improved 1st gear ratio.
The resulting combined 15% higher 1st and 2nd gear transmission improves general drivability especially on flat ground or with a higher output torque engine.
Shown above is the view of the reworked shift tower with the new forks and shafts as assembled by Mitchell.
These transmissions are quite expensive and are not an overdrive, but the revised gear ratios and synchronizers make the car much more drivable than the stock Ford gearing.
Contact: Mitchell Manufacturing
Mitchell Manufacturing
1157 Parker Street
Colusa, California 95932
(530) 458-4500
(800) 859-2088 Toll Free
Mitchell Manufacturing web site.
| Three Speed Transmission |
Rev | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | % OD | Optimal Drivability and Suitability ~ Recommended Combinations and Usage Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stock Model A 1928-31 |
3.745:1 | 3.12:1 | 1.85:1 | 1:1 | ~ | ~ |
|
Stock Model B 1932-34 |
3.383:1 | 2.820:1 | 1.604:1 | 1:1 | ~ | ~ |
Taller 1st and 2nd gear ratios compared to Model A. When coupled with a 27% Laycock, or 26% Mitchell driveshaft overdrive unit (or 36% OD unit with a 4.11:1 axle), this transmission would be an excellent solution for both low speed and high speed drivability, though without an internal transmission overdrive gear. CON: Significant added OD mass on torque tube. CON: Extra OD shift lever on floorboard with Mitchell OD. |
Mitchell Synchro 15% 2nd only Model A |
3:12:1 | 1.61:1 | 1:1 | ~ | ~ |
15% Taller 2nd gear ratio is similar to Model B. CON: Expense, but no improvement in 1st gear ratio. |
|
Mitchell Synchro 15% 1st & 2nd Model A plus Mitchell 26% TT OD |
2.71:1 | 1.61:1 | 1:1 | ~ | ~ |
15% Taller 1st and 2nd gear ratios are similar to Model B. When coupled with a 27% Laycock, or 26% Mitchell driveshaft overdrive unit (or 36% Mitchell OD unit with a 4.11:1 axle), this Mitchell transmission approaches the "Goldilocks" 3+1 OD RTS transmission solution for both low speed and high speed drivability, though without an internal transmission overdrive gear. CON: Significant added OD mass on torque tube. CON: Extra OD shift lever on floorboard with Mitchell OD. |
|
Mitchell Synchro 15% 1st & 2nd plus Laycock J-Type 27% TT OD Planned for my 1930 Coupe w/ 3.78:1 |
2.71:1 | 1.61:1 | 1:1 | ~ | 0.79:1 27% |
15% Taller 1st and 2nd gear ratios are similar to Model B. The 27% Laycock J-Type electro hydraulic planetary torque tube overdrive, combined with this Mitchell transmission, exceeds the "Goldilocks" 3+1 OD RTS transmission solution for both low speed and high speed drivability, but without an internal transmission overdrive gear. PRO: Lightweight torque tube OD with electric shift switch PRO: One-for-one transmission, torque tube, and drive shaft swap. No other driveline modifications. No levers, no cutting or modifying radius rods, torque tubes, crossmembers, brakes, etc. |