3.55's and the L98

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Aug 17, 2001 | 12:40 PM

O'Shark

Thread Starter

Le Mans Master

Joined: May 2000

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From: Indiana

3.55's and the L98

It's pretty well accepted that 3.73 and above is too much gear for the L98. With the engine mods that I am considering, MR/cam/heads/headers, I am thinking of going ahead with a 3.55 gear. I've talked with Pat Ikerd in Bedford (about 3 hours away) and he will do the install and change speedo gears etc.

Is this going to be too much gear in the meantime especially if something happens and I can't do the engine mods until way later? Would a 3.2x be a better choice? I have the 2.59's now so most anything would be an improvement. I do very little interstate driving or high speed cruising. I do live a mile from the local dragstrip though :D.

I want your opinions!
Randy

[Modified by KF9WM's 87 coupe, 11:06 AM 8/17/2001]

Aug 17, 2001 | 12:48 PM

Vic'89

Safety Car

Joined: Jun 2000

Posts: 4,870

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From: Long Island, NY

Re: 3.55's and the L98 (KF9WM's 87 coupe)

Buy a set of 3.07's and you will be happy.

Aug 17, 2001 | 12:52 PM

-=Jeff=-

Race Director

Joined: Mar 1999

Posts: 12,581

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From: Bartlett Illinois

Re: 3.55's and the L98 (KF9WM's 87 coupe)

You will be happy with the 3.07's until you get the MR, Then you will want more gear.. On my 6spd 89 the 3.54 gears were fine with the long runner set-up and are fine with the Miniram..

I would say wait until you have the Mr and such done.. but if it is going to be a while the 3.55 maybe a bit much for the Long runner. Either way it looks like you will be swapping gears twice

Aug 17, 2001 | 12:57 PM

scorp508

Team Owner

Joined: Mar 2000

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From: Boston, MA

My 3.07s are good. Can get under 2.0 60' times and still go over 150mph.

Aug 17, 2001 | 01:05 PM

O'Shark

Thread Starter

Le Mans Master

Joined: May 2000

Posts: 5,159

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From: Indiana

Re: (scorp508)

At 2.015, I'm very close to sub 2 seconds now with 2.59's. The 3.07's are over $500 cheaper at Ikerd's since the 3.55's are brand new gearsets.

Brian, what kind of power numbers were you anticipating from your project? It looks like we are looking at the same scenario except for my having an A4.

Maybe the 3.07's would be better for hooking up and using 400+ lb/ft of torque.

Randy

Aug 17, 2001 | 01:07 PM

scorp508

Team Owner

Joined: Mar 2000

Posts: 83,381

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From: Boston, MA

Re: (KF9WM's 87 coupe)

Quote:

Brian, what kind of power numbers were you anticipating from your project? It looks like we are looking at the same scenario except for my having an A4.

Looking for very close to 400hp, and possibly the area of 430-450 ft/lbs. I'm not exactly sure on the torque.

I think either 3.07s or 3.45s are best. Beachbum (11.5x 383 w/superram) basically gained nothing switching from his 3.07s to 3.45s after many comparison runs.

Aug 17, 2001 | 01:24 PM

Vic'89

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From: Long Island, NY

Re: (KF9WM's 87 coupe)

Randy

Take a look at my 60' times below w/BFGoodrich drag radials. I can cut 1.85 - 1.90 60' times all day long w/the stock convertor.

Vic

Aug 17, 2001 | 11:39 PM

M2001

Burning Brakes

Joined: Apr 2000

Posts: 900

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From: New Jersey

Re: 3.55's and the L98 (KF9WM's 87 coupe)

I had a D36 3:07 in my car then I swapped it out for a D44 3:45. I do really care for the drags but what a world of difference it made for coming out of a slow corner. The car really pulls much harder out of a turn. I don't think a 3:55 is worth considering. The L98 runs out of steam pretty quick on top and there were times I wished I had a gear like a 3:32 or something near it. I would say 3:55 is a bit much for an L98 with a standard TPI induction.