ratbike88

I just had the motor rebuilt in my 73 Vette and I am having a blast driving it again. But, it has 4.11 rear gears and it really "sings" at highway speeds. It is geared so low that I am shifting into 2nd before I get thru an intersection and I cruise around in 4th at anything over 40 mph. I can't decide if I should switch to 3.36 or 3.55's. It has a 355 that dyno'ed at about 371 HP and 386 ft.lbs at the flywheel. It is a 4 speed. It is a weekend driver with occassional runs on the Interstate. I realize that gear ratios are personal preference, but I really appreciate hearing others experiences/opinions.

jeckel

I'm partial to 3:73's myself. It is a good gear for crusing and getting on it once in a while. I wouldn't go any lower then 3:55's, just my oppinion though.

Keep in mind that if you go from 4:11's to 3:55's you will need to retune the motor a little bit.

Little Mouse

If you have a M21 220 low 1st I would go 3.55 if you have an M20
wide ratio I would go 3.36

vho69

I have 3.55;s with a 2800 stall convertor, I think it,s great at 70,d it,s running at about 3200

jimmygmartin

It really depends on how and where you drive it. I built a high reving 327 and went from 3.08s to 3.55s due to lack of low end torque. I hate 3.55s on the highway, my buddy has 3.36s and from a comfort level I can't tell the difference from the 3.08s. I built a 383 and may go back to the 3.08s, but with a 350 I would use 3.36s, thats just me.

mdj21

i've got a 3.55 on my 73. it's pretty quick off of the line and not too terably bad on the highway. the RPM's are a little high up on the highway, but i would not describe it as screaming.

don't forget to change your speedo driven gear if you switch rear ends.

sxr6

Did the same change last winter, went from a set of 4.10s to 3.36s! Couldn't be happier Now 3rd is almost exactely what 4th was before. Revs about 22-2300rpm at the speed limit. If you live around town 3.55s would be OK but even 3.36s are short for extended highway travel!
M-21 4sp with 255x60s

GTR1999

Keep in mind too unless you have a 411 set made for a 3 series carrier you're going to need a 3 series carrier. Your cost just jumped up to between $300-$800 depending on if you go with used a,
(not recommended), carrier with stock internals or a beefed up one. 355's will still be up around 3100 rpm depending on tire size. 336's will drop down about 300 rpm from that. It really depends on the tranny and engine combo setup. The stock 300 hp cars with M-20's had 336's and they were a good combo. The auto's ran 308's most of the time, but 336's work better with the M-40.

77 zz4

[QUOTE=jeckel]I'm partial to 3:73's myself. It is a good gear for crusing and getting on it once in a while. I wouldn't go any lower then 3:55's, just my oppinion though.





Me too. I'm really satisfied (3.73). The highway drive is ok.

lebvette

I like steep gears.....me..I'd keep the 4:11's. Larry

Bee Jay

Keep the 4.11s and go overdrive. Have your cake and eat it too.
(I hate that saying)

81vet

I have 3.55s in my 81, when the 4spd was there, at 60-65 I was turning around 2800 rpm with a 27.5 rear tire. I have converted to a t-56 with a pretty strong 355 and now wish I had 4.11. I agree with Bee Jay if you can swing overdrive I'd keep the 4.11.

superdad60

I have 4:11's and a new shiney 454
I miss all the torque...
Seems like I hit each shift point in 1 second

hearing the tires in evry gear is kinda cool

63mako

I have a Freshly rebuilt 3:55 That I put in to replace a 3:08. Made a huge difference in drivability behind a 327. But now I am doing a full restoration and building a 383 W/ nitrous so I built a Bulletproof 4:11 for mine. Might sell the 3:55 Less than 1500 miles, 1 season in show car. Has the 2 1/2 " spring also with 1500 miles, rear cover and spring mounting hardware. $800 for all

gkull

My 67 Camero has 2.73. 4 speed Little hard to get going. Some times bog or burn. You have 4 gears. With a three speed auto something like a 3.55 is nice or even 3.36. You have 4 gears.

Vesa

Vesa

I have 336 rear end and also a 411 - both include all yokes - like them both - currently having the 411 on - I like this setup
Its only 3-5 hours to swap the rearend if feeling like a change