Overdrive units??

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11-12-2006, 10:29 PM
trickyrix

Overdrive units??

I was in the "Parts is Parts" section when I decided to post this, but I thought it might also fly here... sorry for the redundancy!

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OK... I'm That Guy that asked about a 6-speed swap a while back, because I was looking for the Holy Grail - 80 mph at considerably less than 4K rpm. So, my mind started wandering back through history (esp since a buddy of mine just bought an MGB GT), and my thoughts stumbled across the Laycock Overdrive unit. Essentially, as I understand it, this was a 2-speed planetary gearbox with electric solenoid actuation that bolted between the tranny and the rearend. So... armed with this info, I have questions.

1) Does anyone make such an animal for the Miata???

2) If not, has anyone successfully adapted one these little beasts to a Miata???

I mean, it sounds like a fantastic idea to me, because I would greatly enjoy all the benefits that this might offer on an 800 mile/day road trip. Can you imagine? 30+ mpg on the highway (I'm getting about 26-27 with my lead foot)? 350 (400?) miles+ on a tank of gas? Wow. Words cannot describe. How can this NOT be a Bad Thing? So... I'm still hunting for clues, but if anyone out there knows anything, please do share!

Thanks!
11-12-2006, 10:37 PM
Treibenschnell

Perhaps... but how much more weight would this thing add... seems like a bad trade off.
11-12-2006, 10:38 PM
POS Racing

Put a VW Diesel in it!!

Had electric overdrive in a TR6 I had, it got me like a 300-500 rpm drop. Pulled it and went back to a 4 speed, drive shaft had to be changed. The unit was pretty darn heavy.
11-13-2006, 08:50 AM
trickyrix

Hmmm... VW Diesel, eh? Bad ass! What a torque-monster! YOW!

Well, the O/D seemed like a good idea at the time. It was late.
11-13-2006, 10:46 AM
cone-cerned

Audi has been doing OK with a Diesel.
11-13-2006, 12:06 PM
Treibenschnell

Quote:

Originally Posted by trickyrix

Hmmm... VW Diesel, eh? Bad ass! What a torque-monster! YOW!

Well, the O/D seemed like a good idea at the time. It was late.

I'm getting the impression you're not happy with the vehicle???
11-13-2006, 12:36 PM
altiain

Quote:

Originally Posted by cone-cerned

Audi has been doing OK with a Diesel.

Yeah, it's just the rest of the car they're having problems making reliable. :wink:
11-13-2006, 06:30 PM
trickyrix

Quote:

Originally Posted by Treibenschnell

I'm getting the impression you're not happy with the vehicle???

Oh... not at all - I didn't mean to give that impression. It's everything I ever thought it would be - I love the hell out of it. But I'm looking to tweak a few things, and if they can't be tweaked it's not a deal-breaker. I'm not selling! :)
11-14-2006, 09:34 PM
TurboDuane

Step up to higher gears in the rear end.
11-14-2006, 09:38 PM
POS Racing

Quote:

Originally Posted by TurboDuane

Step up to higher gears in the rear end.

Without boost wouldn't you end up with Moped like acceleration with a higher geared rear end??
11-14-2006, 09:54 PM
Treibenschnell

Quote:

Originally Posted by POS Racing

Without boost wouldn't you end up with Moped like acceleration with a higher geared rear end??

I think you're right...
11-14-2006, 09:56 PM
Majik

Miata VS. Ruckus

Who will win???? Sunday Sunday Sunday

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h7...49542078-L.jpg
11-14-2006, 10:04 PM
POS Racing

I almost outran her last time! I think her Moped had VTEC! ::Clown::
http://www.omra-online.org/images/helmet_backwards.jpg
11-14-2006, 10:06 PM
Treibenschnell

Now that's freaking hysterical!!
11-14-2006, 10:52 PM
cone-cerned

Maybe these guys could help.

Linkie

I have heard of people putting Lenco's behind regular transmissions. But it would not be an easy bolt on.
11-15-2006, 06:39 PM
TurboDuane

OK, then boost!
11-15-2006, 07:03 PM
johnwag

Quote:

Originally Posted by trickyrix

Hmmm... VW Diesel, eh? Bad ass! What a torque-monster! YOW!

They are torquey. They make peak torque at 1900 rpm. My friend has a 1999 that I drove recently. He averages 42mpg in the city! He fills it full of books and uses it for his autotrader routes. They are hard to find for a good price with decent miles.
11-15-2006, 11:58 PM
BAM!

Quote:

Originally Posted by POS Racing

Without boost wouldn't you end up with Moped like acceleration with a higher geared rear end??

ok maybe try not going THAT high? hehe i was thinking a 6 speed tranny, with the reg 5 spd gears, plus one more for those long road trips. it doesnt seem to hard to do. i just need a lil research, for that last gear, a blown 6 spd tranny, which doesnt come by too often, and some time. the trade off is... have you driven a 6 speed? not quite teh same as a 5. just my .02