Master’s in Period Transmissions, Overdrive and Differentials Engineering — Manual Gearboxes, Synchronisers, Classic LSDs
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in period transmission, overdrive and differential engineering, structured in 12 modules covering transmission principles, period clutches, non-synchromesh and synchromesh gearboxes, overdrive units, early automatics, shafts and joints, differentials, classic limited-slip differentials, part reproduction and testing, with an assigned technical tutor.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Understand how period transmissions work.
Rebuild clutches and manual gearboxes.
Diagnose and repair synchromesh units.
Rebuild overdrive units.
Set up differentials and classic limited-slip differentials.
Specify reproduction gears.
Validate transmissions through testing.
Who it's for
- Classic transmission specialists rebuilding gearboxes and overdrives.
- Historic vehicle mechanics responsible for the driveline.
- Differential technicians setting crown wheels, pinions and limited-slip units.
- Gearbox rebuilders working on synchromesh and non-synchromesh units.
- Historic competition preparers who need reliable, correctly geared drivelines.
- Gear manufacturing technicians producing reproduction parts.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to move into classic vehicle restoration.
What you'll work with
- ISO 6336 (calculation of load capacity of spur and helical gears)
- AGMA 2001 (fundamental rating factors and calculation methods for gear teeth)
- SAE J306 (automotive gear lubricant viscosity classification)
- API 1560 (lubricant service designations for automotive manual transmissions and axles)
- ISO 1328-1 (cylindrical gears — accuracy system for flank tolerances)
- DIN 3990 (calculation of load capacity of cylindrical gears)
- ISO 281 (rolling bearings — dynamic load ratings and rating life)
- FIVA Technical Code (technical classification and identification of historic vehicles)
- KISSsoft
- Autodesk Fusion
- MITCalc
- Microsoft Excel
12 modules · 1900 h
1.1The role of the transmission1.2Gear ratios and ratio spacing1.3Torque, power and speed1.4Spur and helical gears1.5Mechanical efficiency of the transmission1.6Period layouts1.7Period transaxle transmissions1.8Gear lubrication1.9Noise and vibration1.10Case study: calculating the ratios of a period gearbox
2.1Cone clutches2.2Coil-spring clutches2.3Diaphragm clutches2.4Mechanical and hydraulic actuation2.5Flywheels and friction surfaces2.6Friction materials2.7Diagnosing clutch slip2.8Relining clutch plates2.9Clutch adjustment2.10Workshop: replacing a coil-spring clutch
3.1Sliding-mesh gearboxes3.2Double-declutching and heel-and-toe3.3Straight-cut gears3.4Gear teeth and wear3.5Selector forks and selectors3.6Period bearings3.7Disassembly and measurement3.8Complete rebuild of the assembly3.9Appropriate driving techniques3.10Practical exercise: dismantling a straight-cut gearbox
4.1Principle of synchronisation4.2Cone synchronisers4.3Borg-Warner system synchronisers4.4Porsche system synchronisers4.5Bronze baulk rings4.6Wear and diagnosis4.7Measuring clearances4.8Replacing rings4.9Lubricants and synchronisers4.10Laboratory: measuring synchroniser clearance
5.1Principle of the overdrive5.2Laycock de Normanville types A, D, J and LH5.3Planetary gear train5.4Overdrive cone clutch5.5Overdrive hydraulic circuit5.6Solenoid and electrical control5.7Fault diagnosis5.8Complete rebuild of the assembly5.9Adjustment and testing5.10Case study: rebuilding a J-type overdrive
6.1Hydramatic and early torque converters6.2Borg-Warner 35 automatic gearbox6.3Powerglide automatic gearbox6.4Period ZF gearboxes6.5Valves and valve body6.6Bands and clutches6.7Diagnosing the initial condition6.8Complete rebuild of the assembly6.9Period ATF fluids6.10Practical exercise: adjusting the bands of a Borg-Warner 35
7.1Propeller shafts7.2Universal joints and spiders7.3Hardy Spicer joints7.4Rubber couplings7.5Early constant-velocity joints7.6Balancing shafts7.7Operating angles7.8Driveline vibrations7.9Replacement and maintenance7.10Workshop: balancing a propeller shaft
8.1How the open differential works8.2Hypoid gears and their cutting8.3Live rear axles8.4De Dion axles8.5Setting the crown wheel and pinion8.6Contact pattern8.7Bearing preload8.8Backlash8.9Lubricants for hypoid gears8.10Laboratory: setting the contact pattern
9.1Principles of the limited-slip differential9.2Plate-type limited-slip differentials9.3ZF limited-slip differentials9.4Salisbury Powr-Lok differentials9.5Period Torsen differentials9.6Preload and setting9.7Diagnosing the initial condition9.8Complete rebuild of the assembly9.9Use in historic competition9.10Case study: setting a plate-type limited-slip differential
10.1Unavailable gears10.2Reverse engineering of gears10.3Gear cutting10.4Applicable heat treatments10.5Selecting suitable materials10.6Quality control10.7Selecting specialist suppliers10.8Estimating manufacturing costs10.9Full documentation of the process10.10Practical exercise: specifying a reproduction gear
11.1Bench testing11.2Road testing11.3Oil analysis11.4Operating temperatures11.5Discreet and reversible upgrades11.6Alternative gear ratios11.7Five-speed conversions11.8Originality criteria11.9Preventive maintenance plan11.10Workshop: test plan for a rebuilt gearbox
12.1Selecting the transmission12.2Technical and documentary research12.3Diagnosing the initial condition12.4Rebuild plan12.5Carrying out the work12.6Testing and adjustment12.7Full documentation of the process12.8Conclusions and future work12.9Master's Thesis report12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
How you'll learn
The programme is 100% online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within the intake, so you can combine it with your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is KISSsoft, Autodesk Fusion, MITCalc and Microsoft Excel, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures: setting crown wheel and pinion contact patterns, measuring synchronisers and bench-testing overdrives. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: ISO 6336, AGMA 2001, SAE J306, API 1560, ISO 1328-1, DIN 3990, ISO 281, FIVA Technical Code.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- A university degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
- An internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 1,900 hours over 12–14 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with KISSsoft, Autodesk Fusion, MITCalc and Microsoft Excel, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the Master's Thesis. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
A university degree in engineering, science or architecture (or equivalent professional experience), a computer able to run the software and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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