Originally Posted by
Buick Guy
According to the 1950 shop manual that combination should have a 3.90-1 rear gear ratio with an optional ratio of 3.60-1. With whatever tire you have on the car you can calculate your cruising road speed. Over 3000rpm engine speed will devour fuel and put engine life in question. One option is to use the tallest tire you can fit under the car [that's the cheapest way]. The next is to change the gearing as you suggested. [if you can find a set of 3.60-1]. Using an overdrive isn't feasible given the closed drivetrain. From here on it gets expensive and takes a lot of originality away from the car. You could install an overdrive trans, but then you'd have to change the rear end also. Or you could slow down your aspectations and just drive 65-70 and it would be happy and live.
Doug