cats22

If I'm not mistaken, the 70-72 LT-1 came standard in the 3:55. Do any of you guys have any experience with a 4:11 back there? I get that the LT-1's SB winds higher than a BB, but is a 4:11 on an LT-1 gonna be a screaming mess at highway speeds like a BB w a 4:11? It's mated with the standard 4 sp. Stepping up to the 5 or 6 speed is not an option.

I appreciate the upside off the line at a stoplight, but am pretty sure that a screaming engine at 65mph on the highway would annoy me hard even if the majority of my driving will not be on the highway.

Also, does having a 4:11 on an LT-1 hurt its future resale value compared to having the standard 3:55 on it?

Thx in advance

bashcraft

I had 4.56 gears with my LT-1. It ran 3400 rpm at 60 mph. 4.11's would run about 3050 at 60. How badly do you want the added performance?

cats22

Good question. Don't really know the answer since I haven't had the chance to compare apples to apples: driving an LT-1 w the 3:55 and then hopping 2 secs later into a 4:11 LT-1. Does the gain in performance off the line outweigh the downside of a more annoying highway drive? I dont have an answer to that question since I dont have the experience - that's why I'm hoping to lean on the veterans here for their input.

The resale value is also a question.

Gordonm

I had 3.55 then went to 4.11 gears. Yes it jumps off the line quicker and has better 1/4 mile times. how much highway driving are you doing. Its not going to hurt the motor to turn those rpms but fuel mileage wil lsuffer it that matters. I now run a 6 speed wit h3.70 gears. The best of both worlds. Rockets off the line and runs about 1600 rpm at 70.

Resale value? I always love this question. Are you going to sell it soon? If so then dont do it. Are you wanting to have some fun with the car then yes do it. Dont worry about resale now. You can always go back.

bashcraft

Drive it in 3rd gear at 3100 RPM for awhile and see how you like it'

joewill

i had a 4.11 and rarely even used 1st gear.. just started out in second. you will tire of it quickly if you drive alot.

Crafty12

I have the 3.70 in my 70 LT-1 and like it quite a bit. It's roaring pretty good on the hwy but I'm not on the hwy too much. I agree with the above.

LS4 PILOT

Had a 66 convertible m21 bb with 4:11

Basically two speeds. HI and LOW was the way I drove it.

The shifter had a awful vibration at 4000 plus rpm ......it was like handling a huge chain saw .

I could start out in third gear .....about like a 3:08 car

I had hard bias ply tires , first gear would slowly spin the rears with little or no throttle . I apply brakes , it set there and churn

I was about 19 , I once drove a 69 Z28 with 302 cross ram and 4:56 . .....that thing was hairiest thing I ever drove . Wild it was.

A hi performance Chevy SB and M21 with 3:73 is heaven. Smooth as silk

My hats off to guys still running those 4spd 4:11s......I'm past that stage....mor than about five miles of that can get old in a hurry. I ve settled in on the 3:36 ...relaxed driving

530planeman

I have 4:11 in my 70 with a big block .i like it but I have a Hone-O- drive

bashcraft

I now have 3.08's with a zz502. Still wish i had an OD.

cats22

Thx guys. All positive and constructive feedback. Think I'm hearing what I thought I would: the 4:11 may have been good at 19, but I'm way past that and getting to the age where I appreciate a more relaxed ride on the highway even if the kid in me still wants to punch it off the line every now and then. Guess I just need to find the right combination (for me anyway) between performance and highway cruising.