overdrive transmission for c1

[Charlie R.]

anyone out there install some kind of overdrive transmission in their c1
I have a 55-57 3 speed overdrive, I'm thinking I may try and make that work, currently a 4 speed. 1960 is my year, 230 horse

[Mike E.]

Re: overdrive transmission for c1

There was an article, somewhere, sometime in the late 70's or early 80's about adapting an overdrive to a Saginaw 4-speed. That's all I know, except a 62 I had a while back had that done to it in the past.

[Thomas A.]

Re: overdrive transmission for c1

I've been waiting for Keisler to introduce a lower cost overdrive for C2 Corvettes . . . got an email today from them today stating that they will have a re-engineered T45 overdrive available within weeks. They may also have an application for C1's as well . . . stay tuned - more to coming from them shortly!!!

Tom

[Charlie R.]

Re: overdrive transmission for c1

thanks, I will look up Keisler on line

[Terry D.]

Re: overdrive transmission for c1

Don't hold your breath for Keisler, they promised me an automatic with overdrive for C1's 2 years ago. I put a Tremec 5 speed in my 62 this past winter, just love it. With 3:70 gears I tach 1900 at 70 mph.
Just my 2 cents
Terry

[Tom P.]

Re: overdrive transmission for c1

The early Saginaw 3p that was used in pass cars (55-65) was available with OD. BUT, only the 58-65 trannys had the mount on the tail housing and there were no bosses on the tail housing for mounting a shifter. These early 3spds were NON-synchronized in 1st gear.
In 66, the newer style 3spOD came into use and it was fully synchronized in all 3 gears.
Either of the above OD trannys require a special wiring harness, relay, kickdown switch that is engaged by the throttle linkage, plus a Pull cable for engagement of the OD lever on the tail housing.
The later 3spOD tranny would be a good choice, but they are scarce and not a good tranny for abusive performance shifting.