6 cyl. with overdrive question??? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Botietruck · 08-12-2007, 08:09 PM

Well I finally have a chance to purchase an overdrive trans. for my truck...something I've always wanted but just couldn't find one. My '71 has the stock 250 engine and 3 spd. manual. I found a 3 spd. manual with an overdrive unit. Has anyone ran a 250 with and overdrive trans.? How did it perform? Pro or con feedback appreciated.

Huck · 08-12-2007, 08:12 PM

It was a fairly common option on the older trucks. Make sure you get the electronics and cables to go with the OD trans--believe there is some carb linkage that is unique as well.

69_hafton · 08-13-2007, 12:29 AM

Were you talking about the 3 speed OD's original to these trucks with the electric solinoid to actuate the OD? I looked at those and was under the impression parts were very hard to find.

Overdrive with 3.73's or 4.10's works good, but not for towing (in overdrive). I don't push mine much over 70mph because the rpm's are getting over 2500 at 75 and the gas mileage takes a nose dive. I don't remember the exact rpm's at 70, though.

Brad · 08-13-2007, 12:34 AM

Parts are very hard to find and they're a delicate transmission. I don't recommend them at all unless you're doing a resto thing and want a period correct type of trans.

Having said that, I'll be selling the one that I have at some point...as my nest egg.

suville · 08-13-2007, 12:51 AM

Put a 67 C/10 together with a 250 and a 3 spd OD out of a 68 El Camino much work involved to make the 3 on the tree linkage work but it did just barely, a floor shift could have been used but I like stock looking swaps even had the under dash mounted OD cable and correct bracketry. It has performed very well but the truck is not abused it will top out nice tho with 31-10.5's and 308's sssswwwwwweeeeeettttttttt!!!!!!!!! Got pics of it but same ol story ,Im a wrench not a confusor geek, but you guys rock or we couldnt do this!

08-12-2007, 08:09 PM	#1
Botietruck '71 chevy s.bed/s.side Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Chesapeake, VA Posts: 1,571	6 cyl. with overdrive question??? Well I finally have a chance to purchase an overdrive trans. for my truck...something I've always wanted but just couldn't find one. My '71 has the stock 250 engine and 3 spd. manual. I found a 3 spd. manual with an overdrive unit. Has anyone ran a 250 with and overdrive trans.? How did it perform? Pro or con feedback appreciated. __________________ STILL PLAYS WITH CARS...AND TRUCKS!! Parents! Be good to your kids...they get to choose your nursing home! 250 I-6 with a 3 speed Saginaw and Borg Warner Overdrive...She's got overdrive!

08-12-2007, 08:12 PM	#2
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,261	Re: 6 cyl. with overdrive question??? It was a fairly common option on the older trucks. Make sure you get the electronics and cables to go with the OD trans--believe there is some carb linkage that is unique as well.

08-13-2007, 12:29 AM	#3
69_hafton Sleep-Deprived Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma Posts: 445	Re: 6 cyl. with overdrive question??? Were you talking about the 3 speed OD's original to these trucks with the electric solinoid to actuate the OD? I looked at those and was under the impression parts were very hard to find. Overdrive with 3.73's or 4.10's works good, but not for towing (in overdrive). I don't push mine much over 70mph because the rpm's are getting over 2500 at 75 and the gas mileage takes a nose dive. I don't remember the exact rpm's at 70, though. __________________ 1971 K/10 Long Fleetside 350/350 - 6" Lift 1969 C/10 SWB 292 - Sold It

08-13-2007, 12:34 AM	#4
Brad Out of the carpool lane. Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Clark Co, WA Posts: 5,672	Re: 6 cyl. with overdrive question??? Parts are very hard to find and they're a delicate transmission. I don't recommend them at all unless you're doing a resto thing and want a period correct type of trans. Having said that, I'll be selling the one that I have at some point...as my nest egg. __________________ 1968 C-10 SWB, 5.7 Vortec/700R4/3.73 posi, Torch Red 1968 Camaro, 250/Powerglide, all original (No, I'm not gonna drop a 350 in it!...Jeez!) 2000 Honda VFR in the faster yellow! 2008 Husqvarna TE-610 1967 C-10 SWB 'Six Appeal'-Gone but not forgotten... Last edited by Brad; 08-13-2007 at 12:35 AM.

08-13-2007, 12:51 AM	#5
suville Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Mtn. Home, Idaho Posts: 906	Re: 6 cyl. with overdrive question??? Put a 67 C/10 together with a 250 and a 3 spd OD out of a 68 El Camino much work involved to make the 3 on the tree linkage work but it did just barely, a floor shift could have been used but I like stock looking swaps even had the under dash mounted OD cable and correct bracketry. It has performed very well but the truck is not abused it will top out nice tho with 31-10.5's and 308's sssswwwwwweeeeeettttttttt!!!!!!!!! Got pics of it but same ol story ,Im a wrench not a confusor geek, but you guys rock or we couldnt do this!



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