Jay Axson

I know my way around an engine pretty good. But when I look at gear ratios the numbers, they have no real meaning to me. Can someone explain how the numbers relate to each other?

3.45, 2.73, 3.07 what are the differences? What applications are they good for?

I hope I am not the only one uneducated in this.

Jay
92 LT1

65Z01

Gears are a matter of ratios.

Say you have 2.59 gears and you change to 3.07. The rear wheel torque (power) will increase by 3.07/2.59=1.185 or 18.5%. Also your top speed in each gear will be reduced by 18.5%.

Going from 2.59s up to 3.45s would give 3.45/2.95=1.33 or 33% gain in torque out back. Try crusing in "D" instead of "OD" (or 1:1 gear) to approximately simulate the highway effect of 3.45 or 3.73 gears.

Of course when we gain we give up something. In this case you will lose fuel economy, but then we know that speed costs $$.

Goody

Just think of the rear end as the torque multiplier for your cars power plant. The higher the number, the more the torque multiplies...thus the lower the number the less the torque is multiplied. The caveat is the loss of RPM at the top end = less top speed.

GIJoe

im glad this was explained, i never understood it either...

im told that "new gears will make you scream off the line, but you loose top end"

Jay Axson

I just checked my option codes under the console cover. My car has code GM3 - 3.45 gears.

More torque the better

I have to review previous posts, but doesn't this mean I will have less resonance probs with eliminators or 3rd party cat back?

Jay
92 LT1

65Z01

Since most of my resonance occurs at very low RPM under light throttle higher grears would raise RPM and reduce engine load. This should minimize the chance of being in the condition where resonance is generated.

J Z06

Seeing it's an LT-1...and depending on it's use(occasional 1/4 mile on the weekend or daily driver) it's a big decision. If you're at a halfway point where you want some more SOTP but don't race that often 3.54's are great. A 3.73 on the other hand will be like hand and glove if you don't mind a few extra revs around town/highway. You also have to take in to account reliability. If intentions are to run it hard and HOOK hard. The little 36(what's in there now) won't last long(IMO).. It's wiser to step up to a Dana 44 the first time. They take a beating well in an Auto Car.

A 2800 Convertor will really compliment the gears. Do the gears first...then possibly the convertor.

Good luck either way.

Jay Axson

I'll probably never get it out to the track as my life is too hectic. I have to settle for on-ramps an such for my excitement [img]http]//www.corvetteforum.cc/ubb/smile.gif[/img]

Anyway, it is a 6 speed not an auto, so the torque converter is a non issue. It sounds like the 3.45 is just right for my needs. I think any mods I add will be the basics - catback, tb, GS Brakes, Free mods and such.

Thanks
Jay 92 LT1

GUMPA

I run 3:73's..........2000rpm @ 60 mph.....3000rpm @ 90........top end about 150 mph..............6 speed can handle 4:10's well............