JJ77

After getting lot of input from people here on the forum, I have decided to put larger gears in the rear end of my Corvette.

I have a 1996 AUTOMATIC with a Dana 36 rear end.

The shop in town that is going to do the install is suggesting 3.54 gears as the best all around gear, yet many people on the forum are suggesting 3.73. The cost of the gears is about the same.

I want a gear that I can drive down the highway a long distance and also auto cross and 1/4 mile race.

My motor is stock and the only other mods I have are air intake and exhaust.

What is the big difference between 3.54 & 3.73 gears?

Thanks,
JJ

comp

if on the highway a bunch 3.54... if just a little i'd do the 3.73's and give up a little mpg, and cruse a 65 on the road

vader86

I told you in the other thread what the difference between them was.

vader86

If you scroll down the page, there are several threads on this right now.

fsr402

I have done a lot of trips this year with my 3.73's, we are talking over 300 miles one way at 80 - 100 mph the whole way. Not a problem and still got 20 mpg doing it. Go with the 3.73's and plan on changing to a D44 some day if you do a lot of draging.

JJ77

With 3.73 at 75 MPH how many RPM's do you think I would run at vs 3.54 gears and what kind of mpg on the highway?

I make few long runs each summer to corvette functions. I only put about 4,000 miles a year on my Corvette, half of this being highway and half in town. Whether I get 20 mpg with 3.73 or 22 mpg with 3.54 is not a factor, if this is what I could expect? With my stock rear end I get about 25 mpg.

JJ

redbullapril23

yea i am thinking of the same exact thing.
i have a 1996 auto lt1 as well!

where are you getting your gears from?
how much?

i think im going to go with 3.54

conv90

with 3.54, stock tires and in OD TC locked at 75 mph you are at 2440 rpm-
with 3.73, stock tires and in OD TC locked at 75 mph you are at 2570 rpm
-Beppe-

JJ77

Not much of a difference in rpm's between 3.54 & 3.73. I'm thinking if I'm going to change gears I might as well go with 3.73 assuming there is a noticable difference in performance.

nonnivett

But what is the diff on stock and 3,73 @ 1/4

redbullapril23

yea thats what i wanna know i dont cat about hwy gas usage.

whats the diff 1/4 mile
1. stock
2. 3.54
3. 3.73

nonnivett

Anyone pls

fsr402

I cut 1 sec. going from 2.59's to 3.73's

tobijohn

Don't forget your speedo won't be correct after the gear change and the computer will have to be reprogrammed. With a 96, if you're leaving the engine stock, the easiest and cheapest way to do this is to pick up a used Hypertech PPIII for around $150 and reprogram it yourself...

redbullapril23

omg a whole SECOND IN THE 1/4!!!!!!!
dude im def doing this like asap!!!!!!

thats badass!!! so i could run like low 12's maybe break into 11's
hahaha i love it!!!

JJ77

I think I'm going to get the 3.73 gears from Drive Train Super Stores for $351.00. Although, I think I might need an install kit also, I'm not sure?
http://www.drivetrainsuperstores.com...e2.asp?axle=21

redbullapril23

yea i think im just gonna get the master install kit but im not sure!

yea im gonna do that to and im gonna take the gears to my guys and have them ceramic coated! they say that it makes them stronger and alot more durable and heat resistant!

when are you buying them? are you installing your self?

redbullapril23

im just gonna go with the 3.54s

but dang a 1 second difference!!!! once i get my hot cam kit!!! ill be in the 11s for sure!

Vic'89

If I was in your shoes, I would do a Dana 44.
You can sell your Dana 36 and get some money from it to offset the price of the Dana 44.

A new Dana 44 should cost 2K.

Vic

redbullapril23

..... agian

a used dana 44 with 3.45 gears is $2k plus another $600 or so for the install and shipping....$2600 +-!!!!!!! sell my dana 36 for maybe .... $400!!! $2200 at best!!!!!

vs.

new set of 3.54 gears and master install kit includ ship..$500
ceramic coating... $50-$75
install about $300-$400 or take out the diff and take gears to be installed in it and put it back on myself.
so anywhere from $975-$550...if I installed.

$2200 vs $975 i mean it just doesnt make sense when people are running 10's with dana 36 with no problems!

with $2200 i can get new gears and hot cam kit and still have $ left over!