I'm curious if anyone has changed the gearing on a older 5000? and if so is it cost effective?

I believe I read somewhere that the gearing is 3.7/1.

The reel is in good shape and I could probably find a use for it but would like to speed it up a little.

They used to sell what they called "buzz gears" for the Ambassadeur 5000. I still own a few old Ambassadeur reels and even have a couple sets of buzz gears laying around. If I can find them, I will get back to you.

There is also a guy I know that repairs only Ambassadeur reels.

Chuck Brod

The Sportsman's Repair Shop

Mosinee, WI

1-715-693-6634

he also has a web site

Thanks Bear, that gives me something to start with.

What ratio are you trying to acheive?

If you up the gear ratio you lose some torque to pull fish out of heavy cover right if im wrong correct me

I've converted a couple of 5000's,and 5000C's to 4.7:1 gears,and they work great.Parts are getting harder to find,but a guy on Ebay has a few sets for sale.

jmho, use it for worming or jigging, get on ebay and pick you up a "newer" 5000 with 4.7 or 5.3 retrieve. I'm thinking it won't cost much more than the parts needed to speed up your older 5000.

Mike's may have it or more ideas:

http://www.mikesreelrepair.com/

His forums are pretty good too.

Thanks all. I'll follow up with your suggestions.

I was thinking of using it for a backup crankin' setup or if I could step up the ratio higher as a backup flipping setup. Depends on what I find.

I just like the simplicity of the reel.