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My 55 Belair has a 3 speed on the column and I'm considering switching to an overdrive transmission. What years would fit?
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Willwood Engineering
Wilwood Engineering designs and manufactures high-performance disc brake systems.
Wilwood Engineering, Inc. - 4700 Calle Bolero - Camarillo, CA 93012 - (805) 388-1188
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The 1955-1957 would "fit" aand were the most common years to have ooverdrive. The present transmission case must be changed also due to the reverse lock-out in the O.D. You will also need the kick-down switch and tab, wire harness and the solenoid and relay. It is not just a matter of adding it behind the transmission. I did this on my "new" 1957 in 1957 so all odd parts were available new.
Last edited by Chev Nut; 04/25/16 09:16 AM.
Gene Schneider
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I'm still thinking about this Gene, but finding the parts may be a real challenge. Also, a friend advised that the overdrive may be too tall a gear for my little 265. I figure that as long as I downshift to avoid lugging I should be okay. Your thoughts? Sid
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A 6 Cyl. worked well with overdrive so a 265 should do well also (with the factory 4.11 rear end) More or less depends on your present ratio and if you live in flat contry or mountains. If your car would have been an automatic with 3.55 rear end the O.D. would be kind of tall.
Gene Schneider
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The rear is a 3.55 with std. trans. so maybe I should not do overdrive. Would a 3.08 rear be too much also? Are there any options for the gears in the trans? Sid
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A 1955 stick with a three speed would have came with a 3.70. A Power glide with a 3.55. A 3.08 may be a lttle "tall" but a 3.36 a good compromise. A 3.08 would be pretty close to an O.D. and 4.11 which would come out to a 2.97. There again, it depends on your driving conditions, such as mountains VS flat country with low hills.
Gene Schneider
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Thanks for the help Gene. Sid
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1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan / purchased from second owner 6-19-2000.
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With the 3.08 you would be replacing the clutch often.
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