[Samurai81]

So its got three gear plus overdrive. Whats the go? Is that called a 3 speed or 4 speed? Back of my mind is transferring a G16B and 4 speed Vitara auto in.

Steve.

[zukenutter]

I thought they were four speed. What makes you think it's three speed?

[atari4x4]

3 speed + OD

[zukenutter]

My auto is 5 speed but I have a clutch pedal and gear stick.

[atari4x4]

clutches, they just wear out & are sooo 2006.

[zukenutter]

Traitor

[Samurai81]

Its just the terminology I was trying to clear up. I know there are Vitara 3 speed autos which are basic and 4 speeds that are linked to the computer. Not having had much to do with autos I wonder if an auto nut would say I've got a 4 speed or 3 speed with OD. Can't sleep straight till I know:) I dont think Gus is an auto nut yet but I'm picking, it wont take much time.
Steve.

[Gwagensteve]

Four distinct speeds.

Three speed plus overdrive is 1960's terminology. By that reasoning, a five speed manual sierra is a four speed plus overdrive. In olden days many four speed manuals had an additional overdrive box fitted.

[Samurai81]

Thanks Steve. I learnt to drive in the 60s.

[Rhinoman]

The Vitara box is also a 3speed with overdrive, although its often referred to as an AW4 its actually an AW03-72LE

[henno]

Gwagensteve wrote:

In olden days many four speed manuals had an additional overdrive box fitted.

Not that 'olden days', even. The dodgy Jatco in VL commodores was a shitty 3-speed with an overdrive slapped on it.

Unless the late 80's are now considered olden days. They probably are .

[greenzook89]

My folks had a import R31 Skyline that had a 3 speed with overdrive and just to confuse things further....a lock up on top of that.

[zukenutter]

henno wrote:

Unless the late 80's are now considered olden days. They probably are .

Sadly they are

[Gwagensteve]

greenzook89 wrote:

My folks had a import R31 Skyline that had a 3 speed with overdrive and just to confuse things further....a lock up on top of that.

I don't think that's confusing at all. My X3 had eight speeds, two overdrive ratios (from memory) and lockup in every gear except first. I never had any idea what gear it was in.

Steve.

[want33s]

Mustangs in the 80s came with a 4 speed box but it was referred to as a 3 speed + overdrive.

Back in the day overdrive was a big deal.

If your highest gear is overdriven (ie: less than 1:1) you have an overdrive box.
If your highest gear is 1:1 then you have a standard box.

Think about an Eaton Fuller 18 speed road ranger truck gearbox, 18 speeds and none are overdrive.