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Originally Posted by cblandin
Here's the deal. Most of us are used to driving much newer vehicles and overdrive trannies have been around for a LONG time now. I find that my 3.23's are annoying in my 67 Bird as compared to any new car I own. This is exacerbated by the fact that I have a "nice" rumbly exhaust (as do most of us), which makes it even louder. Finally, add the rattles, creaks, and groans found in 35+ year old cars and it isn't exactly a Lexus ride. The RPM in my BMW at cruise isn't much different tht my Firebird, but my BMW is loads quieter, and has an extra 1000 rpm until redline. I've always said the biggest benefit to an overdrive tranny was never mileage - it was driving enjoyment. One question - what gears do you have in there now? Accelerate to 3000rpm and drive there for a while on the freeway - do you find that objectionable?
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You've nailed it down dead-on. Time was, 3.55's were once universally considered an all-around good compromise between highway cruising and max acceleration. A good gear that a musclecar owner can live with in daily life.
Fast forward to having owned OD equipped cars since '85. Having our cake and eating it too. I put 4.10's in my 6-speed '94 Z28 and still turn barely 2000 RPM's @ 70 MPH. I drive my '70 Judge with 3.55's, and even around town at 45-50 MPH, I
still instinctively attempt to shift it out of 4th into a non-existant 5th. Can't believe we used to consider this a compromise gear. A RA IV w/4.33's would be near insane on the highway.