Differential Question
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 504
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From: Monroe LA
Differential Question
I was reading the other day about our differentials(original equipment-getrag) and someone said that the older (pre 2001) 3.42 where not as strong/good as todays. Is this true?
Thanks,
MY C5
Thanks,
MY C5
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 504
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From: Monroe LA
So if I was to replace my C5 2.73, I would only want a 3.42 made after 2001? Or would any 3.42 hold up ok? I do not plan on putting the car on the track but do plan on increasing the HP.
Thanks
Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,439
Likes: 6
From: Newark, DE
St. Jude Donor '06
The answer depends on your hp level and application. If you have a basically stock C5, and just want more get-up and go from a stoplight, then any 3.42 will probably be fine. If OTOH, you have 500+ rwhp and drag radials, you probably want the Z06 gears and hardened output shaft (at least).
HTH!
HTH!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 504
Likes: 0
From: Monroe LA
Thanks for the answers. I would love to see 500+ rwhp but I don't think the Wife will let me put that kind of money into the car. I was planning on putting a torque converter in when I change the rear end but that will be the end of the mods for this year. I hear that changing the rear end out from a 2.73 is a must.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
Likes: 179
From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
and someone said that the older (pre 2001) 3.42 where not as strong/good as todays
from 1997 to 2000 there were just one type of 3.42
Then in 2001 there was an ADDITIONAL 3.42 offered and it was stronger then the original. It did not replace the original - but was added to the Z06 models.
So the original 3.42 was made from 1997 through 2004 and they never changed in their rating/strength.
And Again, an additional/stronger 3.42 model was was placed in the 2001 thru 2004 Z06.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,039
Likes: 105
From: State of Confusion!!!
2018 C2 of Year Winner
With more power...if you make the rearend bullet proof, you'll just break something else!!! 
Every chain has a weakest link, and horsepower is the way to find it!!! 
Am I correct in assuming with all the traction control stuff on these cars, it not only helps keep the car under you, but helps keep parts in the car?? Just wondering.
Every chain has a weakest link, and horsepower is the way to find it!!! Am I correct in assuming with all the traction control stuff on these cars, it not only helps keep the car under you, but helps keep parts in the car?? Just wondering.
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Racer
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 373
Likes: 1
From: Valparaiso, Indiana
If a 3:42 is better, how much better would a 3:73 or 4:10 be. I know you will lose more top end but I don't plan on finding that out. Is it that dramatic of a difference off the line? I have the 3:42 6sp now and just kicking around some ideas for better take off.
But only if you want a kick in the pants 
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,661
Likes: 67
From: Ocean Springs MS
Originally Posted by jeffsc5
If a 3:42 is better, how much better would a 3:73 or 4:10 be. I know you will lose more top end but I don't plan on finding that out. Is it that dramatic of a difference off the line? I have the 3:42 6sp now and just kicking around some ideas for better take off.
Racer
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 373
Likes: 1
From: Valparaiso, Indiana
Originally Posted by fdxpilot
A4s and M6s are two different animals. 3.42 is a great upgrade to a 2.73 A4 (at top end, 4th gear is about the same as 5th on an M6 w/ 3.42) For an M6 car (unless you plan on SC), 3.90s or 4.10s are the equivalent upgrade.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 188
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From: VA
Originally Posted by jeffsc5
A sc is not out of the question within a year or so. So then these would not be a good choice?
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,661
Likes: 67
From: Ocean Springs MS
Originally Posted by Mr.X
Unless you had an unlimited supply of tires (assume your running on the street) 3.90 's and 4.10's may be overkill. You would see no traction in 1 and 2 gear with a s/c like the mag. A good set of DR's or ET's should help solve the problem.
Since a SC produce so much torque without having to rev as high as a Heads/Cam car, they don't really need the lower (numerically higher) gears. Check the C5 FI/Nitrous forum and you will see a lot of guys running the stock 3.42s or 3.73s on SC cars. As mentioned, you will have trouble getting 1st gear traction with a SC (especially the Maggie,) even with 3.42s.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 14,285
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From: Houston, Tx Got traction?
CI 5-6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07-'08
I was under the impression in 2001<i think maybe newer> GM added more webbing to the differential case, thus making the case slightly stronger. However a DTE brace will more than make up for the less sturdy case.
Chris
I know with a turbo you want longer gears to help spool the vehicle longer...is that not the same with belt driven superchargers?
Chris
I know with a turbo you want longer gears to help spool the vehicle longer...is that not the same with belt driven superchargers?