skeeter Posted March 13, 2018 Report Share Posted March 13, 2018 Hi all, I have decided that I would like to add another car to my small collection and I have an obvious gap in so far as I don't have a small two seater convertible. After looking at various cars over the last couple of months I have concluded that this gap is best filled by a TR4. Why a TR4? For me it looks the best, isn't a very common sight, has a well developed support network and is reasonable cost wise. So to my question, is the overdrive gearbox worth it? I have looked at a couple of cars, one is really nice, well restored and ready to go, but a non overdrive car. The other isn't as nice in terms of finish, is an older restoration, but has the overdrive gearbox. I wont do many miles in the car and it will only be during the summer. All other things being equal is there any collective wisdom on this point, or is it personal choice? thanks Ken Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stillp Posted March 13, 2018 Report Share Posted March 13, 2018 It's not the end of the world if you don't have overdrive, but it's a nicer drive with. What's the rest of the collection? Pete Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rhino_mac Posted March 13, 2018 Report Share Posted March 13, 2018 I would go overdrive every time - it makes longer distances much more bearable. I fitted one to my 3a and it transformed the car. On the other hand, I would buy the best 4 I could regardless of O/D and then fit one later if I wanted it. Just take that cost into account (about £1600 to £1800 non-exchange for a recon box) plus fitting and switches/harness. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
skeeter Posted March 13, 2018 Author Report Share Posted March 13, 2018 Thanks both. I currently have a Ford Cortina 1600e (series 1), a series 1 Landrover, a Lotus Carlton all for high days and holidays and my daily driver is an F10 M5. Ken Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TR 2100 Posted March 13, 2018 Report Share Posted March 13, 2018 Overdrive adds so much to driving a TR. Well worth the extra bucks. Try selling a TR without overdrive! AlanR Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Steves_TR6 Posted March 13, 2018 Report Share Posted March 13, 2018 Ive owned two TR6s, one without and one with overdrive. First car didnt have overdrive and it was great fun, apart from on the motorway or big a roads. Current car has overdrive and is fun everywhere! In addition to cruising at an indicated 80+ at 3000 revs, which it will do all day, using 3rd and switchingg in and out of overdrive on smaller roads is an unexpcted delight :-) Overdrive wins hands down for me. Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fireman049 Posted March 13, 2018 Report Share Posted March 13, 2018 Hi Ken ~ Overdrive every time! Tom. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rcreweread Posted March 13, 2018 Report Share Posted March 13, 2018 Ken I would reinforce the sentiments posted above - overdrive every time BUT I also whole heartedly agree the Rhino Macs comment to get the best car in the first place and if it hasn't got overdrive, get it retro fitted and build the cost into your budget You then also have the option of getting a known uprated box ( maybe Stag) with a higher ratio O/D - 28% or 25% over the standard 22% in a TR4 My 4 has a stag gearbox and 28% overdrive and mildly tuned torquey engine and it's an absolute joy! You are welcome to come and try it when the weather is good if you are anywhere near Essex - whereabouts are you based ? Cheers Rich Quote Link to post Share on other sites
4Mal Posted March 13, 2018 Report Share Posted March 13, 2018 Overdrive, whilst you have the choice. Makes driving on A and B roads better and makes motorways tolerable. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Drewmotty Posted March 13, 2018 Report Share Posted March 13, 2018 Overdrive every time.......but its an easy add on so as mentioned above I would buy the best car possible (at a lower price if it hasn't got overdrive) and add overdrive later. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hamish Posted March 13, 2018 Report Share Posted March 13, 2018 Overdrive every time.......but its an easy add on so as mentioned above I would buy the best car possible (at a lower price if it hasn't got overdrive) and add overdrive later. +1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
skeeter Posted March 13, 2018 Author Report Share Posted March 13, 2018 Thank you all for thoughts, very helpful. Will let you know how I get on. Ken Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ianc Posted March 13, 2018 Report Share Posted March 13, 2018 My first TR, a TR2 bought in 1962, didn't have overdrive. I decided that overdrive and disc brakes were a necessity, and in 1963, I bought a TR2 which had both these features - and then I had a real TR. My TR4, bought in 1969, also has both, and I would never settle for less. However, buying the best car you can afford and getting overdrive added is a good idea, as long as it is possible to make this conversion (are parts available?). BTW, the TR4 is the best model as it has all the desirable features (better weather equipment, R&P steering, face level ventilation etc), but not the problems which Triumph introduced with the IRS cars (lower torsional stiffness, weak mountings for suspension & differential, complications with all the extra joints in the drive train etc). Ian Cornish Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TR4A1965 Posted March 13, 2018 Report Share Posted March 13, 2018 Overdrive every time although when they play up as mine is now it ca be fun and games;-) Can't imagine a TR4A without one?? Best. Paul. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RogerH Posted March 13, 2018 Report Share Posted March 13, 2018 Thank you all for thoughts, very helpful. Will let you know how I get on. Ken Get the best car and upgrade the GB as and when Roger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Malbaby Posted March 13, 2018 Report Share Posted March 13, 2018 Another for buying the best car...fitting O/D later is a relatively cheap option. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
North London Mike Posted March 13, 2018 Report Share Posted March 13, 2018 O/D, SEVEN speed gearbox, whats not to love.........wouldn't be without it now Quote Link to post Share on other sites
riverstar Posted March 14, 2018 Report Share Posted March 14, 2018 Overdrive adds so much to driving a TR. Well worth the extra bucks. Try selling a TR without overdrive! AlanR My non overdrive TR4A sold for the asking price within two days of being advertised online Quote Link to post Share on other sites
littlejim Posted March 14, 2018 Report Share Posted March 14, 2018 I did what Malbaby suggests. Got a gearbox expert to retrofit an O/D to the standard gearbox. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Steves_TR6 Posted March 14, 2018 Report Share Posted March 14, 2018 My non overdrive TR4A sold for the asking price within two days of being advertised online My non-overdrive 6 also sold very easily. So, find the best car you can and if it doesn’t have overdrive then fit one Simples! Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Steve Priest Posted March 14, 2018 Report Share Posted March 14, 2018 Hi Ken, I originally bought a TR4 without overdrive. A few years ago I bought a refurbished O/D box and fitted it myself. Replacing the gearbox is a bit time consuming but not particularly difficult. It's a nice thing to have. On 60/70mph roads it drops the revs to make cruising a bit more comfortable. Flipping in and out of O/D 3rd is also useful when pottering through town at 30 mph. As others have said, find the best car you can, with or without O/D. Fitting one later is perfectly do-able. Steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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