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Old Jun 24, 2007 | 05:35 PM
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I just finished putting in the new transmission in my car. Its a tremec transmission from the keisler auto to manual conversion kit and i want to put in a higher geared differential (i have a 3.08 right now) to really make the car unwind. I was thinking about putting in a 4.11 but a friend told me that 3.55 would do just fine and that the only difference is the 4.11 gets worse gas mileage. I am just wondering what you guy think i should put in.

This isn't going to be a car i commute in, its just a car i drive around town so gas mileage doesn't really bother me, but what i want is a decent top speed so that i can cruise on the high way but really jump off the line.
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Old Jun 24, 2007 | 05:43 PM
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go to their web site and look at the mph calc they have. it should give you an idea of where your curise rpms will be. 3.73 gears would be a great choice. if you have any kind of power, much more gear than that and traction will become an issue on the street.
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Old Jun 24, 2007 | 06:40 PM
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I have a 73 and you are doing the same mods I just finished. This winter I converted from a TH400 to a Keisler 5-speed and I *just* finished the break-in period on the new rear diff where I went from the 3.08 to a 3.55. I have not had a chance to really test it since I have been taking it easy but I can definitely tell a difference while still being very drivable with my 383.

By the way, if you are looking for a reasonably priced unit from a good vendor, check out Ikerds. Jasper (where I got my motor from) recommended them and I had a great experience. In fact, I just got my core charge back this week.

Shane
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Old Jun 24, 2007 | 06:41 PM
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Put in a 4.11 and you'll be shifting just after your rear tires clear the white line at the intersection that signifies where to stop. Most folks agree you want a total gear ratio reduction in first of not much higher than 10:1 or much less than 9:1.

Multiply the first gear ratio with the rear ratio and you'll get the total ratio.

With a 4.11 if you've got the TKO600 the total ratio would be 11.7:1, the 500 would yield 13.4:1

Last edited by shafrs3; Jun 24, 2007 at 06:50 PM.
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Old Jun 25, 2007 | 08:23 AM
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Which TKO did you buy, the 500 or 600?
If you bought the TKO-500, I wouldn't go any lower than a 3.55. If you run a 3.73, 4.11 etc... with the 500, your first gear will be useless as in granny gear useless.
If you went with the 600, then a 3.73 or 4.11 will be a great gear. For reference, I have a T-45 in my mustang(same gear ratios as the TKO-500) and am running a 3.55. 1st gear is awesome as are my cruising rpm's


Richard
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Old Jun 25, 2007 | 08:26 AM
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Originally Posted by rj8806
Which TKO did you buy, the 500 or 600?
If you bought the TKO-500, I wouldn't go any lower than a 3.55. If you run a 3.73, 4.11 etc... with the 500, your first gear will be useless as in granny gear useless.
If you went with the 600, then a 3.73 or 4.11 will be a great gear. For reference, I have a T-45 in my mustang(same gear ratios as the TKO-500) and am running a 3.55. 1st gear is awesome as are my cruising rpm's


Richard

RIchard would never steer anyone wrong.
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Old Jun 25, 2007 | 12:43 PM
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Originally Posted by rj8806
Which TKO did you buy, the 500 or 600?
If you bought the TKO-500, I wouldn't go any lower than a 3.55. If you run a 3.73, 4.11 etc... with the 500, your first gear will be useless as in granny gear useless.
If you went with the 600, then a 3.73 or 4.11 will be a great gear. For reference, I have a T-45 in my mustang(same gear ratios as the TKO-500) and am running a 3.55. 1st gear is awesome as are my cruising rpm's


Richard
Richard is absolutely correct.
I purchased a 600 (Keisler) last year and with my 3.70, this is a perfect combination.

A 500 with 3.70 would be too much first gear.

I really enjoy the 5-speed !!!!!!!!!

Barry
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Old Jun 25, 2007 | 01:40 PM
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I did my own Tremec TKO swap long before these companies sold the conversion kits... and its probable the second best mod ive ever done behind the ZZ4... In any case I can say that the 3.55 gears in my car are great with the Tremec 3.27:1 first gear... pulls so nice and you dont have to shift out right away!.. and then with the 5th gear I can do 80 @ 2500... So you get killer accelleration and decent gas mileage!
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Old Jun 25, 2007 | 04:34 PM
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Originally Posted by 74VETTE
I did my own Tremec TKO swap long before these companies sold the conversion kits... and its probable the second best mod ive ever done behind the ZZ4... In any case I can say that the 3.55 gears in my car are great with the Tremec 3.27:1 first gear... pulls so nice and you dont have to shift out right away!.. and then with the 5th gear I can do 80 @ 2500... So you get killer accelleration and decent gas mileage!
I really like the 3.55's and the TKO-500 as far as ratios are concerned. You can't beat 'em.
Technically, my T45 has a 3.38 1st gear and it is still great with a 3.55.
From another personal experience, I had a Fox-body mustang and I did put the TKO-500 in it, I also ran 3.73's. 1st gear was useless except for burning the tires to the rim. I had to shift inside of 30 feet of taking off. For the "normal" person it would be over way too quick. Tried to break the tranny for 2 years straight and couldn't and I was putting a ton of power thru it.


Richard
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