I am confused about the recent comments on overdrives. I recently
installed a SV OD in my Series V. I left the 3.89 rear end in. I couldn't
be happier with the results. The car is like a dream on the freeways.
Yet, Jarrid and Dick have mentioned that I have reduced my top speed and my
fuel economy. I don't understand. I thought that my 4th gear now is
exactly the same as my 4th gear before. So then my power and output should
be the same. Unless, even in 4th with the OD disengaged, I am still being
effected by the OD. Is my 4th now somehow not really "direct" as it was
before, and I am getting some slippage even in 4th direct?
I will say that my gas mileage has definitely improved since installing the
overdrive. But, then maybe my Holbay engine can pull strong enough at the
cruising range.
I also am not sure why I would want to install the 4.22 (which the factory
itself discontinued on SV Alpines with OD's). It seems that I would lose
much of what I gained in highway comfort by doing so.
As an aside regarding matching OD's, I do believe that the Volvo used the
same exact OD unit. I do not know if the output shaft, as Jarrid
discussed, is the same. However, from most people I have discussed this
with, the OD unit itself is very reliable and should last longer than most
other parts in the car. The big problem most people have with the OD is
the solenoid unit being broken or out of adjustment. And, of course, the
bigger problem for Alpine people is that even though the matching Volvo OD
unit is widely available, the Alpine specific adapter and output shaft are
essentially non-existent except for those attached to cars.
Jay
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