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

What gears do I need????

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Old 12-19-2015, 10:28 AM
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Doug Crow
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Default What gears do I need????

I have a stock 1994 Corvette and I am wanting to make it quicker from a dead stop to 1/4 mile. Not concerned about top speed. Not wanting a race car either. Just something to play with if someone pulls up next to me.

What are your thoughts on should I change gear ratio and if so what gears should I use. Also any idea how much gain speed I would gain in 1/4 mile or less?

Thanks
Old 12-19-2015, 12:37 PM
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c4cruiser
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What transmission is in the car? Coupe or convertible? Gear ratios were different between manual and auto as was the model of the differential.

Does the car still have the Service Parts Identification sticker? Look for something like these codes:

G44 - 3.07 ratio
G92 - indicates "performance" ratio
GM1 - 2.59
GM3 - 3.45
GU2 - 2.73

Going to something like 3.73 or so would improve times and possibly a few more MPH. 4.11 gears would be even better but to get the benefits of a lower gear ratio, you will need to start thinking about engine mods.

You may want to ask in the Drag Racing section of the Forum about changing gear ratios. There will be some good information there.
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Old 12-19-2015, 01:59 PM
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BOOT77
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More gear can mean more spin w/o the right tires on the right surface, so can more power. Acceleration is affected by many things, ie weight.

Before you get too much gear, what trans? Do you highway drive a lot?
Old 12-19-2015, 07:31 PM
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Doug Crow
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Originally Posted by c4cruiser
What transmission is in the car? Coupe or convertible? Gear ratios were different between manual and auto as was the model of the differential.

Does the car still have the Service Parts Identification sticker? Look for something like these codes:

G44 - 3.07 ratio
G92 - indicates "performance" ratio
GM1 - 2.59
GM3 - 3.45
GU2 - 2.73

Going to something like 3.73 or so would improve times and possibly a few more MPH. 4.11 gears would be even better but to get the benefits of a lower gear ratio, you will need to start thinking about engine mods.

You may want to ask in the Drag Racing section of the Forum about changing gear ratios. There will be some good information there.
I am pretty sure everything is stock. I have a automatic.


This is probably a stupid question but if I were to switch from stock gears to 4.11 gear what all would I gain fro it? 1/4 mile stock speed is 14.1 seconds would it make it better than that? If so how much better?
Old 12-19-2015, 07:35 PM
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Doug Crow
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Originally Posted by BOOT77
More gear can mean more spin w/o the right tires on the right surface, so can more power. Acceleration is affected by many things, ie weight.

Before you get too much gear, what trans? Do you highway drive a lot?

I am almost positive I have a stock transmission. I would only drive highway occasionally 2-3 time month if that.


I am just looking to beef it up as much as possible without spending $2 - $3K. So when a typical newer mustang or camaro pulls up I will surprise them.
Old 12-20-2015, 12:41 PM
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94corvetteC4
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If your running a stock LT1 all the gear in the world won't help you against a new Mustang unless its a V6.
Old 12-20-2015, 02:10 PM
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mtwoolford
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Not to compare apples to oranges, but food for thought:

I had a 71 dodge polara, ex cop car with a 440 c.i. engine, 3 speed auto tranny, no overdrive, it had a 3.30:1 rear end; big dodge / chrysler sedans of the same era used 2.59:1 rear gears.
Old 12-20-2015, 03:15 PM
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I installed 3.54's into a lightly modified 86 coupe. When I was building it, I thought it was going to be too much gear and scream on the highway. It sat in my basement for three years. Until I had to replace the u-joints on the half shafts. If I was going to do it now would be the time. It is one of the best upgrades I have done. I should of done 3.73's. I only tach about 500 rpms higher than before. I also have a 2400 stall.

Just my experience...Good Luck
Old 12-20-2015, 04:51 PM
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I agree with rrt898, as I changed my stock 2.59 gears to the Yukon Thick 3.54 gears and wish that I had gone with the 3.73's. My rpm's went up around 700 on the highway. 85 mph was 1,900 before and with the 3.54's it's around 2,600. You won't regret making the change to either one, as it will really wake up the car! (I have a 1993 Convertible with a 700R4 Transmission)

Last edited by Boss Lady; 12-20-2015 at 04:54 PM.
Old 02-12-2016, 08:14 PM
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Originally Posted by c4cruiser
What transmission is in the car? Coupe or convertible? Gear ratios were different between manual and auto as was the model of the differential.

Does the car still have the Service Parts Identification sticker? Look for something like these codes:

G44 - 3.07 ratio
G92 - indicates "performance" ratio
GM1 - 2.59
GM3 - 3.45
GU2 - 2.73

Going to something like 3.73 or so would improve times and possibly a few more MPH. 4.11 gears would be even better but to get the benefits of a lower gear ratio, you will need to start thinking about engine mods.

You may want to ask in the Drag Racing section of the Forum about changing gear ratios. There will be some good information there.

Do you know what the ratio is on a G92 RPO?


Thanks
Old 02-12-2016, 08:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Fastnail
Do you know what the ratio is on a G92 RPO?


Thanks
G92 is only a confirmation that it's something "other than base". The balance of the car build would/could dictate the second RPO that you would find if you found the G92 on the build sheet or SPID.
Old 02-12-2016, 08:33 PM
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It's all opinion. If you have a 2 series carrier or 2.59,2.73 you need to get a thick gear set to replace them.

If you have 3.07 you can get up to 3.73, maybe 3.90 now not sure.

I have a stock d44 in my auto paid 1k for everything, beats the price to install and rebuild the weak d36.

D44 came out of manual cars and are stronger.

If you know you want to rip a 2800 stall and 3.73 gears will wake it up a ton.

Keep in mind you supposed to drive in D unless on the highway, so really 3.73 will scream pretty good. Lots of people say oh it's not too bad, because they drive in OD all the time and should not.

this is a gear rpm calculator just input your data.

http://www.angelfire.com/fl/procrastination/rear.html

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