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Old Mar 15, 2010 | 01:22 PM
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Default Rear End

I've got a 1973 350 w/ headers,intake and a 4:11. I'd like to go on the x-way some time with out running 3 grand at 55 mph. I don't drive her very hard most of the time and would like to change the diff to either a 3:33 or 3:55 not sure what way to go. What ya guy's think would be better? Would a 3:33 make it a little dogie?
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Old Mar 15, 2010 | 01:45 PM
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Check out the speed analyzer at Keislers site.
http://www.keislerauto.com/speedanalyzer.html

Not sure how strong your motor is but with a small block I would not go bellow a 3.55. Just to keep the kick in the pants around town.

I know some guys will will disagree but unless you've got a pretty torquey small block you will miss the 4.11's around town. I am sure you like how the 4.11's dig in around town.

I had a 70 nova with a mild built 350 and turbo 350 trans and the 3.73 were great around town but the highway was a little screamish at 65. Was always in the slow lane.

You could always keep the 4.11's and spend a little more $$ and go 5 spd. then you can go 70 at 3krpm
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Old Mar 15, 2010 | 02:46 PM
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Do you have auto or manual? I got a 4 speed auto/OD, so I can run a little lower in the gears without sacrificing highway cruise speeds. Just depends on how ya want to drive it.
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Old Mar 15, 2010 | 02:49 PM
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4 Speed
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Old Mar 15, 2010 | 03:09 PM
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You'll need to drive alot of highway miles to recoup the cost of a gear change.
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Old Mar 15, 2010 | 03:18 PM
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go for the 3.55, perfect for all situations
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Old Mar 15, 2010 | 04:34 PM
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Originally Posted by MelWff
go for the 3.55, perfect for all situations
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Old Mar 15, 2010 | 11:33 PM
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Ive run 4 diff ratios in same 4spd stick car with a 350/375hp car.

3.55s stock swapped out during rebuild, 3.73s blew up, 3.36s temp rear diff, 4.11s, and now have new 3.73 12 bolt.


I hated the 3.36 gears they didnt match my rpm range of my cam and heads, car felt really doggy driving around town. The 4.11s were fun I could drop clutch and burnout 1st and 2nd gear, but highway sucks so i couldnt drive to any shows. I have to say I like 3.73 gear the best for both tire spinning fun and cruising at 70mph. I have a 28" tall tire

I would recommend 3.55s for your car if you have 27" tires. 3grand would probably be 70mph instead of your current 55mph. my 3.73s and 28" tires do 70mph at 3,300-3,400rpm, still revs but my 4.11s were 3800rpm at same speed.
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Old Mar 17, 2010 | 09:41 AM
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3:55 it is then Thanks for the info. I will probably miss the 4:11 but i hate being the last one there. and the fist at the gas station. Thanks Again
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Old Mar 17, 2010 | 10:09 PM
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Default Try a taller tire.

I run 28" tire on my '74 and i believe i can run a couple more inches - 30" maybe. From your signature pic it looks like u have some room for a taller tire. Remember that when u change tire height u change the calibration of your speedo. Like the taller the tire the faster u go at same rpm but speedo reads lower. If u have too u may run a narrower tire to fit up inside the wheel well to get a better rpm on the freeway at 65mph.
Did u change the trans speedo gear when you installed the 4:11? Or did u but the car like that. U may want to get the speedo/trans gear calibrated first (for your current tire size) so u will know where your really at on the freeway (@ actual 65mph). Most drive train shops will do the calc for you and have the trans/speedo gears in stock.

Hope this helps,
cardo0
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Old Mar 17, 2010 | 11:32 PM
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I'm going to go off on a tangent and suggest a 5 or 6 speed as the best solution to your highway driving problem. Costs more, but all around more fun in the end
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Old Mar 18, 2010 | 08:05 AM
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200r4 & 4.56 gears = 3K @ 70.
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Old Mar 18, 2010 | 09:59 AM
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Originally Posted by Bugman Jeff
I'm going to go off on a tangent and suggest a 5 or 6 speed as the best solution to your highway driving problem. Costs more, but all around more fun in the end
A corvette has a sporty look and putting a 30" tire on it would make it look pretty stupid.
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