69ttop502

My question is at what gear ratio ordered from the factory would the close ratio 4 speed be the default transmission. Was it 3.70's. And could you get the shorter geared rear ends, say 3.70, 4.11, 4.56 in anything but the 340 or 360 horse engines. Thanks,

BVO

Ironcross

Only one differential, its the carrier that is different and not interchangeable from a 3 series to a 4 series gear.....that's the way the factory did it....Aftermarket offers a gear spacer that can combine 3 to 4 series.......Not the best way however

And I think any ratio could be ordered and the 4 speed was merely a option

John cleaned it up below as I was not quite sure as mine were 4 speed FI cars


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JohnZ

In '62, the 340hp and 360hp fuelie were available only with the optional close-ratio 4-speed, and the 3.70 axle was standard, unless you ordered others as an option (3.08 to 4.56).

The 250hp and 300hp engines were available only with the optional wide-ratio 4-speed, and the 3.36 axle was standard, unless you ordered a 3.08 (3.08 and 3.36 axles were the only ratios available with the 250hp and 300hp engines).

69ttop502

Thanks guys, was exactly what I wanted to know.

Bill

DZAUTO

A litted added info.
1962 was the FIRST year for a WIDE ratio 4sp. The FACTORY, not the customer, made the determination as to whether the 4sp was a wide or close ratio, depending on engine/rear gear combination. And 1962 was the first year for a 3.08 in a Corvette (3.08 was first available in 59 for pass cars). I'm quite sure that the reason the 3.08 became available in 62 is because of the new 327 which produced enough torque to turn a 3.08 with much less effort.

69ttop502

Thanks Tom, and while I have you here can I ask another question. I am sure mine is a close ratio, but are there any numbers or any way externally to tell. Mine has the 6 tooth drive gear and 20 tooth steel driven gear used only for the 4.56 ratio I am told by JohnZ. I guess I could put it in first and see how many times I have to turn the input to turn the output 1 revolution. That would be correct wouldn't it. Thanks,

Bill

DZAUTO

If the tranny is in the car, there is no way to tell (unless you want to turn the engine by hand------------------seriously).
But, if the tranny is out of the car, then mark the input shaft and mark the tail shaft. Put it in 1st gear, turn the input until the tail shaft has made one full turn. If the input turned about 2 1/2 turns, it's a wide ratio. If the input turned just less than 2 1/4 turn, then it's a close ratio.

69ttop502

Thanks Tom, no the tranny is not in the car lol.