Cigarman

I bought my '89 convertible about 6 mo. ago and recently received the restoration kit from Chevy. In the spec book there is a handwritten memo that says all `1989 corvettes produced prior to 2/6/89 with six speed will have a 3.54 ratio and those produced after that date will have a 3.33 standard ratio. All ZR1's will have the 3.54 ratio.

I checked the spec sheet in the car, and sure enough I have the 3.54. the window sticker does not indicate that this was a special order item.

What effect does this have on performance, gas consumtion, etc. Why did chevy change the ratio in mid-year? And now that I know that my car was produced prior to 2/6 I'm curious as to it's birthdate

Any one have any answers? Thanks.

Cigarman




[Modified by Cigarman, 4:31 PM 11/21/2001]

cramey

well, the 3.54 will raise the RPM you turn at a given mile per hour by about 5%. That will create at least 5% drop in fuel economy at any given speed, and will increase your accelleration by a little bit at SOME speed ranges.

That 3.54 is a gear I would be interested in, if you wanted to trade it out.

Cigarman

Thanks for the offer, but right now, I'm not interested in modifying at all--I'm going to work to keep it "factory fresh". If I do ever think about it, I'll let you know.

Thanks for the comeback on the question--when I saw the tech specs, I really wondered what the effect would be.

Interesting, but the guy who owned it before me told me that he has no problem taking his friend's '91 that was auto on the strip in a "friendly run". Now that makes some sense.

Phil-tha-Rush

the difference between the two is negligable.
In fact, the 3.54 is the more desirable gear. Also, when someone mentions a 5% increase in rpm...thats only 100 rpm per 2000! (barely noticable..lol)


by the way.NICE car :seeya