Using the MGB Overdrive

Visit oily-hands-mg-life.co.uk/oilys... to see what we get up to with our MGs.

[@glennlaw319]

I would suggest just one additional tip, not that this circumstance should occur very often. Do not flick into O/D on the overrun, because the rev mismatch without load on the transmission will cause a noticeable 'thump' through the drive train. Solution is to use the clutch or add a blip of throttle just prior to flicking the switch, then immediately lifting the foot afterwards. Back in the day I drove my new Laycock O/D equipped TR4 with its standard steering column mounted switch lever which enabled introduction of overdrive to the upper three gears, allowing me to accelerate that car hard right through the seven individual forward ratios using fast split shifting....loads of fun and that A series O/D unit didn't complain once! (The fingertip location of the lever just behind the right side of the wheel was a great aid in doing that dance....!) This, along with my consistent heel and toe downshifting habit made for an exhilarating road driving experience I've never since been able to replicate.

[@christianrussell9900]

Just purchased an MG with OD. Very helpful, thanks!

[@travisolson9190]

Excellent video! Thanks for posting. Im also an MGEXP member.

[@edeldridge2188]

I had a 77 gt with OD on the gearstick and it was so good to use. it's approaching ten years since I owned that B but aiming to get another later this year :)

[@MrSevenup89]

Absolutely need one soon.

[@chroniciguana402]

I want overdrive! I have OD envy now.

[@pir869]

got a spit 1500 with OD,the 3rd to 3rd OD on twisty country roads is awsome,always have power on tap,mind you i'm just re-assembling my spit from full resto after a galvy chassis swap and OEW paint from BRG,both 2K,good seeing the old seat of the pants style motoring vs modern lazy no road feeling metal buckets,plus i can fix my car,so can you though ha ha ha to garage bills.

[@forestghost7]

Thanks Owen, from a fellow MGEXP member :)

[@oilyhandsmglife]

+forestghost7 You're welcome Marco. I'm pleased you liked it.

[@jaxs2384]

I have an XJ6 Jag. Series ll. 4 speed Manual with overdrive🔥🔥🔥🔥 It is a bulletproof mechanism. I love it. More better than 3 speed automatic Borg W.

[@seanwalsh999]

A poor mans PDK, 40 years ahead of dual clutch technology.

[@jaggass]

On later MGB's the overdrive switch is on the gearknob.

[@m6rk]

Thanks for the video. I have a '73 MGB with an overdrive (U.S. spec). Instead of having an independent switch on the dashboard, the same stick which I am using to activate the rain wipers activates/deactivates the OD at 3rd & 4th gear. As I see you using the OD, when you activate it it keeps on even when you keep pushing the throttle... In my case, even it is activated, when I push the throttle it is quickly deactivated. I cannot increase my speed on OD... To clarify, when I say "activate" I mean the "higher gear/lower rev) state... Do you think the OD on U.S. spec. cars works differently, they act like you put the gear on neutral position only and you can not accelerate keeping it activated? Or maybe my OD does not working properly?

[@xispanos91]

Thanks from Greece

[@jeffwolfe4058]

A 72 with overdriven running right. what is highway speed like? What kind of rpm at 80 mph?

[@ianwashere12345]

@@jeffwolfe4058 That is my question too. I am guessing it drops the RPM down about 500 revs. Good for a little bit a speed on the highway with less RPM.

[@donruwanyapakulathunga8405]

Really intresting.. Does anyone know about the mechnism on it please ???

[@jaxs2384]

It's combination systems of electrical, mechanical and Hydraulic parts but ultimately it's simple and works decently. it's bulletproof.

[@jdl2444]

Is it a split shift or an extra gear, I'm confused.

[@oilyhandsmglife]

It's an electrically operated extra gear. In fact it's two gears as the overdrive works on third & top gear. Overdrive third is nearly the same as direct top so on twisty roads or slow moving traffic its very convenient to use third gear and switch in and out of overdrive.

[@EPRZEE]

I can't get my Overdrive to work, please help.

[@jacobc2891]

RZee AV8R maybe you’ve fixed it now. The first thing to test is the switch.