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Rear axle ratio also a factor. Typically OD-equipped cars came with a slightly numerically higher rear axle ratio that those without; thus adding OD to a car that did not already have it will give lower rpm cruising than factory-equipped and lesser hill-climbing capability if the ring and pinion were not also changed at the time of conversion to OD.

For example, 1954 Clippers with manual transmission:

Standard rear axle without OD: 3.9/1
Standard rear axle with OD: 4.1/1

Dad's '47 Clipper had overdrive. I don't remember much about that car, except that he had a toggle switch mounted below the dash to turn it on or off....

When he bought a brand-new 1965 Checker Marathon, he ordered it with the 230 ci Chevy six/3-speed manual trans with overdrive.

The Checker was mine to drive in HS. If you didn't engage the OD at highway speeds, the RPM at 60 or so was incredibly high.

MIDan. Is the Waterford track still open and do they still hold races there???

Hi

In answer to the original question, once you've driven an overdrive-equipped car and experienced its benefits and fine qualities, the answer is a resounding YES!

Steve

When I got my '49, 23rd series, unknown to me the OD was not working. Realized it and resolved the issue. What a difference. The car also had a rear axle issue which required replacement of an axle shaft. I ended up with a complete rear axle assembly, and because it was out of a non-OD car, the gearing was 3.9, as stated above by Owen_Dyneto. So I switched out both axle shafts and the gears. Made the car much nicer on the highway. It does not have any issues with climbing hills. I use it in town even, and at 30 MPH, step on the gas and torque that our flat 8's put out, the car easily works it way up with out any lugging at all.

Deluxe. what cubic inch engine is it???

It's the 288.