I jumped ship, Help!
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
I jumped ship, Help!
Help, I jumped from the ford 32v cobra to an 85 vette. It is an auto, stock, Iam going lt headers and Bassani cat back and was in need of some help for picking a rear gear to have fun with untill I go all out 383 6spd and D44. any advise is great so thank you.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 8,077
Likes: 4
From: Scarborough ONTARIO
I agree with bogus, save the money for D44, 383 is awesome but its considered puppy motor (oh atleast for me) if u wanna go that far, go 406, 700R4 beefed it up let pete k (our forum member) built ur tranny when time comes, many people switched from 6 spd to auto tranny but each to his own, but since u switched from cobra so i assume u like 6 spd.
My niehgbor has a 02 cobra convert, i drove once its lot more when compared to 85 vette though, but my 85 has lot more mods and faster than cobra i always beat him on the street, i wish race me on track though.
My niehgbor has a 02 cobra convert, i drove once its lot more when compared to 85 vette though, but my 85 has lot more mods and faster than cobra i always beat him on the street, i wish race me on track though.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
From: Chicago IL
i'de wait on installing the gear. Check to see if you have the G32 or maybe its g23 option which is the 3.07 gear in a dana 44. The stock tpi system does not respond well to gears like a LT1 or a mustang.
Enjoy the '85. It has forged pistons and the strongest bottom end from the factory for the L98 family.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Gears depends on what transmission you use.
ZF6 will need at least a 3.45 or 3.55 all the way up to 4.11 to be nice on the street. (3.45 not available aftermarket)
Keisler and Richmond can use as low as a 3.07.
I would look for a later Dana44 with the stock 3.45 gear, then you'll have a good foundation for doing the trans swap. The Dana 44 ICA gearset (ICA = independent corvette axle) is also used on the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Viper.
ZF6 will need at least a 3.45 or 3.55 all the way up to 4.11 to be nice on the street. (3.45 not available aftermarket)
Keisler and Richmond can use as low as a 3.07.
I would look for a later Dana44 with the stock 3.45 gear, then you'll have a good foundation for doing the trans swap. The Dana 44 ICA gearset (ICA = independent corvette axle) is also used on the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Viper.
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,749
Likes: 41
If you choose the right parts for a 383, You can be into the 400rwhp without issues. I big difference in power from the 32v Cobra engine.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 466
Likes: 0
i'de wait on installing the gear. Check to see if you have the G32 or maybe its g23 option which is the 3.07 gear in a dana 44. The stock tpi system does not respond well to gears like a LT1 or a mustang.
Enjoy the '85. It has forged pistons and the strongest bottom end from the factory for the L98 family.
Enjoy the '85. It has forged pistons and the strongest bottom end from the factory for the L98 family.
Do all L98s have forged pistons or is it the 85's only?
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Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
From: Chicago IL
sorry I misread your original post about going to a 6 speed. I assume you have the 700R4 because of the 2.73 gear. I'de love to swap in a 6 speed but im not too mechanically inclined to do such a swap so i'll leave in the 700R4.
Another tip is the 700R4 from the factor is not all that strong. Double check on that.
If you do go 383, you can make very good h/p with a variety of proven combo's.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Also this I just noticed, sometimes my my dash gauges will get very bright (unlike myself) and then fade back to normal, it appers to happen when braking but not at every touch of the pedal, randomly I guess you could say.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
It can vary with engine rpms on a weak alternator, or more likely, it's just the optical sensor doing it's thing. The little square opening on the top left of the cluster adjusts the dash brightness based on light input.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,135
Likes: 0
From: Sebastian Florida
St. Jude Donor '06
I think you will find putting in a 6sp will be one major pain, the auto does not have the fitting for the clutch. You will have to rip out your brake pedal fittings and find yourself a vette in a yard that is a 6sp and then you are about 1/4 the way to your goal.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Did the 6-speed swap, but from a 4+3. So I already had a clutch pedal, but had to do some work modifying the tunnel.
BTW, your Dana44 conversion will cost at least $1500. In fact, Vettepartsman has a HUGE stash of them on ebay right now. You could just pick your poison:
http://search.stores.ebay.com/Tracy-...650628QQsofpZ0
Don't waste any time putting gears in the D36, they cost more than D44 gears.
Last edited by CentralCoaster; Jan 7, 2007 at 04:50 PM.