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Hello everyone
i just bought a MK1 2.4l 1956.
happy to find and participate to this enthusiasm forum.
I would like to know if I can fit an overdrive ?
Which type ? Type A?
Is an overdrive from an Mk2 3.4 L fits in?
Is there interring pictures or movie showing this?
Thanks for your advices
Georges
No video as far as I know.
I would think an overdrive will fit, as the gearbox carried on until about 1965 when the all-synchro box came out.
At some point fairly early on in Mark 2 production, there was a swap to the later more compact overdrive unit. If the one on the 3.4 is the later type, you may need the later propshaft. Don't forget to check the wiring loom to see if the overdrive wiring in it. I'm not sure where the OD switch was located on the Mk1. On the Mk2 it was on the binnacle.
I think the overdrives in the larger engined cars operated at higher pressure and used stiffer springs. The compact type was adopted with the all synchro gearbox.
There's this too, I don't know if it would mate up to the 2.4 though.
Finding an overdrive unit is not easy, if I was going to do mine I would go with a modern 5 speed transmision.
I have that 5 speed on my B3000, it shifts much better then my Jag.
Moss gearbox with Laycock de Normanville long tail overdrive as fitted to Mk1 & early Mk2
Laycock de Normanville "Compact" Type A Overdrive fitted to Jaguar all synchro gearbox from approx 1965. (initially in short supply at the time)
Both 0.77 to 1 ratio.
Peter is correct that OD's fitted to higher capacity & torque engines operated at higher pressure with higher spring rates. They will work fine with a 2.4 but an original 2.4 OD will not tolerate the torque of the larger engines.
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Nov 18, 2020 at 10:41 PM.
Hello everyone
i just bought a MK1 2.4l 1956.
happy to find and participate to this enthusiasm forum.
I would like to know if I can fit an overdrive ?
Which type ? Type A?
Is an overdrive from an Mk2 3.4 L fits in?
Is there interring pictures or movie showing this?
Thanks for your advices
Georges
I just did that conversion on my mk1-56. As the early 2,4 has the gear-lever in a more forward position than later cars and I wanted original looks I installed a moss box with od from a mk2. The top cover on the remote lever box from the mk2 was exchanged with the original mk1 box top cover. Very easily done. Gearbox mount is the same and the prop shaft from the mk2 was used. The od switch is situated in the corner of the upper wooden facia rail. You need to drill through the panel if you want it there, I did on mine. All in all an easy installation and what a difference it does to the car! Good luck!
Mk1 2.4 L overdrive
