ring and pinion conversion
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: San Jose CA
ring and pinion conversion
my 80 vette has a (calculated) 3:55 rear gear. Its a factory 4 speed with a few mods (cam, heads, exhaust) that probably bring the engine to 250 or 275 hp net, (at the flywheel, not rear wheels). I do a lot of weekend highway driving and would like to lower the engine rpm's/noise and save some gas. i cant really justify the money for a 5 speed kit (plus my wife will leave me if i did).
I am considering putting the rear ratio back to 3 07 or so. Is this a feasable project for a weekend mechanic sort of guy? (I dont want to get beyond my skill level.) Do i have to pull the whole diff out to do the job? And do I have to use a ring and pinion made specifically for the 80-82 rear? If so, do you know where i can get a ring and pinion for an 80 at a decent price. Thanks in advance.
I am considering putting the rear ratio back to 3 07 or so. Is this a feasable project for a weekend mechanic sort of guy? (I dont want to get beyond my skill level.) Do i have to pull the whole diff out to do the job? And do I have to use a ring and pinion made specifically for the 80-82 rear? If so, do you know where i can get a ring and pinion for an 80 at a decent price. Thanks in advance.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,173
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From: Connecticut, USA
Check with a differential supplier or Bairs for gear choices. The 80-82 were different then the earlier cast iron rear ends and not as strong. You will have to drop the rear end out to replace the gears. Is it beyond your abilities, I couldn't answer that. You'll need an indicator,micrometer and knowledge to use them. You can check with your area shops to see what they charge for a rebuild with new gears, it does involve a fair amount of labor. I guessing a basic rebuild with new gears will run about $850-900 plus shipping ($100) from a vette supplier.
Gary
Gary
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,662
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From: Knoxville Tennessee
This is just a suggestion. Don't change your 3:55 gears, I have them and love what they do. Instead, just live with what you have for now, save your money until you can afford the 5 speed. You will invest a grand on the diff anyway and the 5 speed will lower your rpms much more than the ring & pinion swap.
Bernie
Bernie
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,508
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From: Wisconsin
Originally Posted by Master Ho
deisenreich, If you decide to swap out the current ring/pinion, I'm interested in it, as I'm contemplating replacing my '81s stock 3:08 setup.
