C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Gears...

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Old Aug 26, 2002 | 12:51 AM
  #1  
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Default Gears...

I know this question probably comes up alot but... I am about to visit the performance shop this week and get new gears done. I can't decide between the 3.54s or 3.73s. Either way I know I will have to program the speedo - yada yada. If I were to go with the 3.73 gears, will my stock 96 tranny handle this mod? Will going with new gears wind up being complex with other necessary changes if any? What do you guys suggest? I just want to know what I am getting in to!
It's not exactly a daily driver, although the temptation of a sunny day tends to keeps it out of the garage! Not much highway driving though.
Other than Flowmaster catback, K&N filter and box mod, there's really not much else in mods to my LT-1 :confused:
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Old Aug 26, 2002 | 12:59 AM
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Default Re: Gears... (BACKDOC)

If it's not a daily driver, go with the 3.73 gears.
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Old Aug 26, 2002 | 01:07 AM
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Default Re: Gears... (BACKDOC)

I just posted same question a while ago. I dont know what gears im gunna get either. Prolly 3.54's....mine is a daily driver. I see that you have almost the same car as me too :cheers:
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Old Aug 26, 2002 | 01:40 AM
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Default Re: Gears... (BACKDOC)

3.73s if its not a DD.
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Old Aug 27, 2002 | 11:21 PM
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Default Re: Gears... (RadPolo96)

Been dealing with the Vette Doctors and a few other performance Vette shops around my area. To complete this job I am looking at approximately $1500 to have the job done since supposedly the carrier etc. will need to be replaced as well from the current 2.59 setup that I have. Seems kinda steep compared to other prices I've heard on the forum. One shop offered 1 year and unlimited mile warranty but could not program the speedo for me. The Docs will do the program but no warranty!!! I'm so confused!!

Rad--- They look identical!!!
:crazy:
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Old Aug 27, 2002 | 11:26 PM
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Default Re: Gears... (BACKDOC)

Wow, that seems really steep. I just bought the 3.54's and it cost me 450+ but the install will be cheap...and I am buying a hypertech from a forum member and then will sellin it again after program. So I will pretty much save myself the programing Money. Just have to pay for install. I got the gears and install kit with all the modifications I need from http://www.ringpinion.com . They were very helpfull and knowledgable. If you can talk to brad, he is a vette owner and knows alot about the gears and what you should get. His ext. is 5551.


[Modified by RadPolo96, 9:27 PM 8/27/2002]
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Old Aug 28, 2002 | 01:11 AM
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Default Re: Gears... (RadPolo96)

Help me understand, here, folks. Why wouldn't a higher gear ratio be OK for a daily driver? I have heard other folks on this forum - and some in person - who think that higher gears are just fine for around-town driving, as well as highway! One fellow said that a gear change was the single most effective change he made in achieving quicker responsiveness to the throttle.

I understand that the RPMs in the higher gears while cruising don't go up all that much, and beause of the higher RPMs on the highway, the car is even quieter. I've got a 6-speed and think I'd like to use more of the gears - and have a better responsiveness in town.

Thanks.


[Modified by Legal Eagle, 11:20 PM 8/27/2002]
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Old Aug 28, 2002 | 01:17 AM
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Default Re: Gears... (Legal Eagle)

LOWER gear ratio=higher number
4.10s are the mod for 6speeds. Youll have a use for 6th now, mileage will still be good for you.

He has an A4, so he may not need such low gears since he only has 4 gears to play with, his mileage will suffer more than yours.
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Old Aug 28, 2002 | 01:18 AM
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Default Re: Gears... (BACKDOC)

To complete this job I am looking at approximately $1500 to have the job done since supposedly the carrier etc. will need to be replaced as well from the current 2.59 setup that I have.
Yeah, the D44 is added. I dont think but one or two places make 3.54s for the D36 carrier.

D44 is MUCH stouter, can take a good beating.
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Old Aug 28, 2002 | 01:26 AM
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Default Re: Gears... (vader86)

Oops. Sorry about the terminology boo-boo. I considered 4.10s but was told that was a much more expensive mod than just staying with 3.73s (requiring a different housing?). Is the differential in a LT4-powered Vette more beefy than the LT1s?

The car is quite nice, even with the stock gearing (whatever that is), but I'd like to see if it couldn't be somewhat more awesome, with little loss in MPG, with different gearing.

So many questions, so little time...

Thanks. :D
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Old Aug 28, 2002 | 04:00 AM
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Default Re: Gears... (Legal Eagle)

Oops. Sorry about the terminology boo-boo. I considered 4.10s but was told that was a much more expensive mod than just staying with 3.73s (requiring a different housing?). Is the differential in a LT4-powered Vette more beefy than the LT1s?
The 6 speed LT1's and the LT4's have the same Dana 44 rearend, and yes you can install 4.10's without changing the housing.
I just spent $700 parts/labor for 4.10's in my Vette.


[Modified by STL94LT1, 8:19 AM 8/28/2002]
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Old Aug 28, 2002 | 04:19 AM
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Default Re: Gears... (RadPolo96)

I am buying a hypertech from a forum member and then will sellin it again after program. So I will pretty much save myself the programing Money.
A hypertech can only be used on one car. Unless you unprogram your car noone else can use it. It stores your VIN and will only let that VIN do programming.
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Old Aug 28, 2002 | 06:00 AM
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Default Re: Gears... (BACKDOC)

To complete this job I am looking at approximately $1500 to have the job done since supposedly the carrier etc. will need to be replaced as well from the current 2.59 setup that I have.

:
Unless there is something wrong or broke with your carrier it does not have to be changed to use a 3.54 or 3.73 gear. I know Richmond makes the gears to fit both the 2 series carrier and the 3 series carrier.
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Old Aug 28, 2002 | 06:10 PM
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Default Re: Gears... (STL94LT1)

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am buying a hypertech from a forum member and then will sellin it again after program. So I will pretty much save myself the programing Money.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A hypertech can only be used on one car. Unless you unprogram your car noone else can use it. It stores your VIN and will only let that VIN do programming.
I was going to say the same thing.
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Old Aug 28, 2002 | 06:12 PM
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Default Re: Gears... (Vette92)

How exactly can I use it then?
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Old Aug 28, 2002 | 08:39 PM
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Default Re: Gears... (BACKDOC)

BACKDOC, They are right about it only being good for 1 car. I have a HPP III for a 96 auto. I will not need it after this weekend, because I am going with an Ed Wright programming.
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Old Aug 28, 2002 | 09:54 PM
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Default Re: Gears... (BACKDOC)

Listen closely if you have an automatic put in - 373 - do not consider anything else. I promise you will love this set up. This should cost around $900 plus the spedometer change. Anything less is just that - less. :eek:


[Modified by red-y, 7:55 PM 8/28/2002]


[Modified by red-y, 7:58 PM 8/28/2002]
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Old Aug 29, 2002 | 09:39 PM
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Default Re: Gears... (red-y)

Hey Red--Just curious, With 3.73's what might I be looking at RPM wise at around 65mph? Any idea?
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Old Aug 29, 2002 | 09:42 PM
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Default Re: Gears... (red-y)

WOW you guys get some great prices! The shops around here just won't do it for much less than around 1300 to 1500! Only one guy is actually offering a 1year and unlimited mile warranty!
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Old Aug 29, 2002 | 11:04 PM
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Default Re: Gears... (BACKDOC)

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
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