Gears...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,713
Likes: 105
From: Manassas VA
Re: Gears... (silver & red CE)
I always get a kick out of the 3.73 vs 3.54 debate. I have a 96 Impala SS, it has an iron headed LT1 and the same trans as a Vette. It's my family/work ride. I installed 3.73s in it along with a 2500 RPM converter and a Trans-Go shift kit. How anyone would want 3.54s in an LT1 Vette is beyond me :cheers:
Eric
Eric
I went 3.54 for 2 reasons. 1. I got the rebuilt diff. from zip for $759.00 and everywhere else I was looking that sold the 3.73 diff., IE: MAD, Ikerds, etc. was $1295.00 2. After talking to Justin, at Zip, he said the 3.54 holds up a little better then the 3.73. It has to do with the larger pinion gear. Call him and he will be glad to explain it to you.
I dont understand why there is such a debate between the 3.54 and 3.73. There is less then 5% difference in the two. Yes, I would have perfered to have had the 3.73 but not for the price difference and then, what Justin explained to me was icing on the cake. By the way, the 92 LT1 auto Vette that TPIS uses to test with has the 3.54 gear in it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,418
Likes: 1
From: NW Chicago Suburbs
Re: Gears... (Red 86 4+3)
...what Justin explained to me was icing on the cake....
Eric
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Re: Gears... (silver & red CE)
OK Fella's The deed is done. I went with the 3.73's and I have an appointment for installation next Thursday. I will keep you posted on the results. One year unlimited mile warranty is not too shabby I guess!
Hey by the way, What about the RPM's at around 65 or so. Anyone have any info for me? :yesnod:
Hey by the way, What about the RPM's at around 65 or so. Anyone have any info for me? :yesnod:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 3,420
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster County PA
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10
Re: Gears... (BACKDOC)
What about the RPM's at around 65 or so. Anyone have any info for me? :yesnod:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,473
Likes: 1
From: Cleveland
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,418
Likes: 1
From: NW Chicago Suburbs
Re: Gears... (BACKDOC)
...What about the RPM's at around 65 or so. Anyone have any info for me?
IMHO, you are adding one of the two most important mods, the other being a looser torque converter. I have a 2,500 stall speed converter in my Impala SS (with the iron headed LT1) and that combined with the 3.73 gear have made more difference than all of my other mods out together. A shift kit is another get mod, esp after adding the looser TC and the lower gears.
Eric
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 3,420
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster County PA
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10
Re: Gears... (BACKDOC)
Yes, let us know! I also have the 2.59's in my '96. Although it has great off the line acceleration, I'm sure there is room for much improvement. :yesnod:
I was leaning towards the 3.07's but who knows...
I was leaning towards the 3.07's but who knows...
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 19,653
Likes: 428
From: Melbourne Florida
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Re: Gears... (red-y)
..I have 3:73's/shiftkit and it's my daily driver...plus I take road trips (last one was 1800 miles)..averaged 24-25 mpg...as for the difference you'll feel, I'm just waitin' for your "Holy Moly !!!" post the day you pick the car up... :D ...good luck