Transmission / Overdrive: Borg Warner Automatic Transmission

[chet445]

I have a 259 with BW transmission hooked to it. I think it came from a 1964 Lark. Someone was nice enough to paint over the name plate and the only thing available are the numbers 8855. My question is, "What rearend ratio would that car have had for that year?" Thanks, Chet

[RadioRoy]

Typically the rear axle ratio for a V-8 sedan with automatic would be 3.31. Earlier, like 1960, Studebaker was putting 3.08 rears in the 259 automatic cars, but before that and after that, 3.31 was the most common.

[JoeHall]

Most likely a 3.31 or 3.07.

[chet445]

Thanks. My 62 Hawk TT has the 3.31. I replaced the 289 4 spd with the 259 and automatic I had in standby after the 289 was supposedly rebuilt by the car's previous owner (couldn't get over 10lbs oil pressure). Bud I finally solved my gas gauge problem...gas tank had inadequate grounding.

[JoeHall]

Thanks. My 62 Hawk TT has the 3.31. I replaced the 289 4 spd with the 259 and automatic I had in standby after the 289 was supposedly rebuilt by the car's previous owner (couldn't get over 10lbs oil pressure). Bud I finally solved my gas gauge problem...gas tank had inadequate grounding.

I bet you will like the 259/FOM setup, and it will have no problem pulling the 3.31, or even 3.07. The 259 generally gets 1-2 MPG more than the 289.
Enjoy!

[chet445]

Honestly, I prefer the 259. I have it in my '52 2R5 and it is a workhorse of an engine.

[PackardV8]

Honestly, I prefer the 259. I have it in my '52 2R5 and it is a workhorse of an engine.

Getting way OT, as is our wont here, but this deserves a thread of its own. Each versions of the Studebaker V8 has strengths and weaknesses.

jack vines