82 gearing question
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2nd Gear
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2
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82 gearing question
I traded for a 1982 corvette, everything is stock. When cruising about 35-40 mph it is in high gear and seems to shift funny and just doesn't cruise very good at low speeds. It seems like the rear axle ratio is to low. It shows to have 2.72 ratio from the factory. My question is has anyone change the rear axle ratio and liked it. What ratio should I go with?
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 264
Likes: 1
From: west central INDIANA
I think 2.72 & 2.87 ratios were availible in 82. If your car has the 700r4 trans, once it hits top gear, and the converter locks up, that would lug it greatly at 35-40 mph. Just a guess, I would say 3.55 or 3.70 gear would be my choice. You would gain low end grunt, and still get great mileage. Great question, I never thought about it, but an OD trans matched with that low gear is not a good combination.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,663
Likes: 162
From: columbia city in
I think 2.72 & 2.87 ratios were availible in 82. If your car has the 700r4 trans, once it hits top gear, and the converter locks up, that would lug it greatly at 35-40 mph. Just a guess, I would say 3.55 or 3.70 gear would be my choice. You would gain low end grunt, and still get great mileage. Great question, I never thought about it, but an OD trans matched with that low gear is not a good combination.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
You can also setup the convertor to NOT lock until 40-45 MPH too. All it takes is a switch change-- 4th gear in the trans. It's a pressure switch- all you need is one with a higher pressure to delay the lockup
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,663
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From: columbia city in
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 3
From: Aurora Ontario
I traded for a 1982 corvette, everything is stock. When cruising about 35-40 mph it is in high gear and seems to shift funny and just doesn't cruise very good at low speeds. It seems like the rear axle ratio is to low. It shows to have 2.72 ratio from the factory. My question is has anyone change the rear axle ratio and liked it. What ratio should I go with?
At 35-40 mph you should be around 1200 rpm.
