All this started as a hard shifting gearbox, noisy in first/rev/and third. While changing the gear-oil on my 73/145, I pulled the "mag" plug and found about an inch of accumulated metal shavings holding onto the plug. I took the plug and washed it over a clean coffee filter. Finding only small sliver-shavings of steel (nothing large like gear teeth). Second, less than half a quart of oil drained out total. I pumped a quart of oil through the fill plug to see if I would get more shavings->more came out->a lot more. Should I be looking for a new gearbox? I re-installed the mag plug and filled it to service level. //// Next subject --> what option do I have to change the final drive ratio? Right now the car is completely stock, 4-speed (m40 I believe), no overdrive, 4.? ratio in the rear. All I know for sure is that freeway speed (65) tacks over 4000 rpm’s (closer to 5K). With most states (like Washington) going to 70mph freeway speed limits, The 145 stock was not geared to sustain these speeds with any sort of efficiency. If possible, I don't want to have my speedo re-calibrated. Any advice would help.---Eric--Portland, Or-