[Excaliber]

Five speed with 5th being 1 to 1 and a 3.07 rear gear?

Very interesting, I think you might be onto something. That would give you an adequate low 1st gear compared to the high rear gear. But the final gear ratio, due to the 3.07 would make cruising rpm delightful.

Of course cruising rpm is more about cam selection than any other single factor.

Now WHAT trans has a 5 speed with no overdrive? BMW is the only one I know off. And of course an ERA almost demands a big block FE.