3.73 worth it?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
From: Northern California
3.73 worth it?
is there a big difference between the 3.42 and the 3.73. im going from the sluggish 2.73. i mean you can buy a brand new 3.42 for like 1200 with no core, or add like 700 bucks for core and get lower topend and mpg, on a daily driver.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I'd save the $700 and go with the 3.42
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 3
From: Roselle IL
Hmm, I went from a 2.73 to a 3.42 and love it, I did consider a 3.73 but money was an issue for me as a 3.73 would have been another 700 to 1000 extra, at least the ones I looked at.
Different opinions on the 3.73 for an auto, some people love them and some people say you will never get traction and to stay away.
Honestly, I would have opted for a 3.73 if I had the cash, I mean it does give an advantage over a 3.42 right, and when modding, every advantage counts.
Different opinions on the 3.73 for an auto, some people love them and some people say you will never get traction and to stay away.
Honestly, I would have opted for a 3.73 if I had the cash, I mean it does give an advantage over a 3.42 right, and when modding, every advantage counts.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,043
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From: Roselle IL
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Jacks996
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: eagle mountain lake tx
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Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Wakefield R.I.
I also think you can find a good low mileage 342 for a lot less than 1200. Check Fleabay and some of our forum vendors. Also give a lot of thought to the converter when you buy it - that will be as important as the gears.
Life Time NCM #2196
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Converse TX
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 16,270
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From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I've driven cars with 2.73 (
), 3.15's, 3.42's and one with a 3.73. Frankly I wasn't that impressed by the difference between the 3.73 and the 3.42. The upgrade from a 2.73 to a 3.42 is impressive - so much so that it feels like a totally different car, as the others have said. If you really want to see a noticeable difference, maybe you should consider a 4.10 or a 3.90.
I think the 3.42 is the best compromise of off the line acceleration, top end (who really drives in that range anyway) and freeway cruising. And also as mentioned - if your plans include any HP adders (H/C, forced induction, etc.) you will be glad you went with the 3.42.
Are you planning to drag race the car? If so, you'll want a torque converter (look into the S10 torque converter that Mike Mercury installed in his car), and anyway that you go - you will want someone who knows what they are doing to do a good sharp tune.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...rque+converter
This situation like life is all about compromise - and IMHO....I think the 3.42 is still the best choice.
), 3.15's, 3.42's and one with a 3.73. Frankly I wasn't that impressed by the difference between the 3.73 and the 3.42. The upgrade from a 2.73 to a 3.42 is impressive - so much so that it feels like a totally different car, as the others have said. If you really want to see a noticeable difference, maybe you should consider a 4.10 or a 3.90.I think the 3.42 is the best compromise of off the line acceleration, top end (who really drives in that range anyway) and freeway cruising. And also as mentioned - if your plans include any HP adders (H/C, forced induction, etc.) you will be glad you went with the 3.42.
Are you planning to drag race the car? If so, you'll want a torque converter (look into the S10 torque converter that Mike Mercury installed in his car), and anyway that you go - you will want someone who knows what they are doing to do a good sharp tune.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...rque+converter
This situation like life is all about compromise - and IMHO....I think the 3.42 is still the best choice.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 176
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From: Golden Colorado
I'm struggling with going to 3.42s from the 3.15. How much reduction in your ET? That's all I'm concerned with. My car is as much a driver as a Friday night summer drag car. I thought 373 would be very agressive with an A4, given the low 4L60E gear ratios. OK at hiway speed with the overdrive, I would think. 3.42s seem like a good compromise. Would I experience signifigant traction issues using 3.42s with 404 RWHP on drag radials?
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
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From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
Personally; I didn't want to take these extra steps; that's why I too went no further than the 3.42 in my A4. Plus, my C5 sees the track about 2 times per year... sometimes only once.
If I was a weekend dragstrip warrior; then I would of made different choices
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
Likes: 180
From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
A4 overall ratio: first gear: 3.42 rear axle = 10.46
MN12 Z06 overall ratio: first gear: 3.42 rear axle = 10.15
MN6 overall ratio: first gear: 3.42 rear axle = 9.09
and again, the added ratio of the A4's torque converter isn't figured into its number.
The 3.73 in the A4 gives a first gear overall ratio of 11.4;
3.90 = 11.93
4.10 = 12.55