Differential 3.55 vs. 3.08
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 71
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From: Frederiksberg, Denmark
Differential 3.55 vs. 3.08
Hi fellas,
Currently I have a 3.55 differential in a 1979 with the good ole TH350. I am considering swapping the differential to a 3.08, but I am nervous as to how (or if) this will noticably affect my off the the line acceleration.
Any thoughts are appreciated.
The Vette is a 1979 equipped with a spiced up SB (cam, pistons, crank) with 253 hp measured at the rear wheels and max. torque of approx. 360 NM.
I am aware that the optimal solution is swapping the gearbox to a 200R4 or similar, but investemt considerations do not allow for this - unfortunately.
Regards,
Vettelaw
Currently I have a 3.55 differential in a 1979 with the good ole TH350. I am considering swapping the differential to a 3.08, but I am nervous as to how (or if) this will noticably affect my off the the line acceleration.
Any thoughts are appreciated.
The Vette is a 1979 equipped with a spiced up SB (cam, pistons, crank) with 253 hp measured at the rear wheels and max. torque of approx. 360 NM.
I am aware that the optimal solution is swapping the gearbox to a 200R4 or similar, but investemt considerations do not allow for this - unfortunately.
Regards,
Vettelaw
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Is your motor designed for low-end torque? What's your cam?
A "stump-puller" cam would do much better with 3.08s than 3.55s. I think my 3.55s suit my newest combination quite well, however. Why not save the cash from the gear change and start collecting for an OD transmission?
-Steve
A "stump-puller" cam would do much better with 3.08s than 3.55s. I think my 3.55s suit my newest combination quite well, however. Why not save the cash from the gear change and start collecting for an OD transmission?
-Steve
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 672
Likes: 0
From: Quebec
I did the opposite of that. Went from 3.07 to 3.54 and the difference is really noticeable. If you even think about performance in the equation, don't do it. I know that the cruising rpm would be better, but not as much as the performance loss.
Stephan
Stephan
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 285
From: Ten Mile TN
Do not
In my opinion the 3.08 suck. That is what my car has. It a very poor gear for performance, especially with a stock motor. It is barely adaquate with the ZZ4 in my car. Off the line is no good. I'm looking at a double change, a 3.55 or 3.73 and a 200R4.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,325
Likes: 6
From: FRANKLIN GA
Actualy by the time your finished with the gear swap and correcting all the other things you find that you might as well do while the reareand is apart it will be about the same price.
But the benifits you gain with a overdrive trans will continue to pay for itself with the extra gas milage it will give you and less wear on parts as they are spinning at a lower rpm and it dosen't rob from the performance.
But the benifits you gain with a overdrive trans will continue to pay for itself with the extra gas milage it will give you and less wear on parts as they are spinning at a lower rpm and it dosen't rob from the performance.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Frederiksberg, Denmark
Thanks guys,
I think the motor has a fairly even torque curve, so it pulls strongly also at low rpms. However, the case against the change to 3.08 is strong, so I'd rather use the money to fix the u-joints, exhaust etc. etc.
Vettelaw
I think the motor has a fairly even torque curve, so it pulls strongly also at low rpms. However, the case against the change to 3.08 is strong, so I'd rather use the money to fix the u-joints, exhaust etc. etc.
Vettelaw
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