Had my 3.42's installed the first week in December, and wouldn't you know it, it has snowed just about every day since then! Another 11 inches yesterday. Needless to say, I am munching at the bit to give them a real try. In the mean time, those of you that have made the change, what kind of real world numbers have you experienced? 0-60 times, 1/4 mile improvement, over all performance?



My wife in front of our home.

 

One work of caution. Cold tires have very little traction. WOT with the 3.42's in the cold = a handful. You will be pleasantly surprised with your upgrade. Enjoy it.

 

Another word of caution, CHILL for 600 miles, take it REALLY easy on the gears and break them in properly otherwise they will whine like a ******* for the rest of their life and warranty will go buh bye.

 

What would you consider to be a "proper break-in" driving style? Same as if brand new? Thanks for the heads up!!!

 

probably 2-3 tenths in the 1/4

 

Have no real world numbers to share with you but your gonna feel the difference. This is an excellant mod that is really noticable right away. As some earlier posters said, take it easy for the first several hundred miles or so for a proper break in (i.e no jumping on the pedel or burn outs). Also, did you get your shift points recalibrated?

 

Yup! Used my Predator for that. Next I would like to get a good dyno tune if I can locate anyone in Salt Lake that can perform one. Oh, and when the snow melts!

 

and a tune

 

Thanks GRUNIE.........you are a class act!

 

I had a new 3:15 installed and was told; don't "stand up" on it for 500-600 miles. Real GOOD advice....

 

http://www.corvettemuseum.com/specs/...erformance.htm

Info below taken off the site above.

2001 Corvette Coupe & Convertible - Acceleration

Trans Axle / 0-60 MPH / 1/4 Mile
A4 2.73 / 4.90 Sec / 13.65

A4 3.15 / 4.75 Sec / 13.50

M6 3.42 / 4.55 Sec / 13.25

 

I wonder how the different gearing of the A4 Trans would effect the above since an M6 Trans has different gearing.

 

hmm, I would think an A4 with 3.42's should be right on par with a M6

maybe better due to not missing a gear or what not???

 

Thank you! This is what I was looking for. The other posts have helped too.........breaking them in. Now a big favor.........PLEASE NO MORE SNOW DANCES!!!

 

Proper break in would be to heat cycle. Drive the car normally. No WOT at all. Let the car cool down and drive again normally (do this at least 4 to 5 times) for the first 250 miles. Then Drive another 300 or so miles normally without any WOT. No dyno runs either.

Change the oil in the differential and then floor it till you see black tire marks and smoke behind you for 50 feet

 

I think on paper that is true. The driver and technique are part of the deal. All in all gears are a good thing (except the mileage thing).
Before my bolt-on mods, my car was a pig, now it is pretty snappy. I think the gears were the best bang for the buck.

 

I have a g-tech meter which is supposed to be pretty accurate. My"97" went from 5.2 o-60 with the stock 2.73s to 4.7 with the 3.42s! I also had a professional dyno tune which picked up 22 more Horse power.
Dave

 

just do not think alot of diff between 3:15 and 3:42 gearing. rule of thumb i think is 20% increase to fell a real sop difference. did same mod a few yrs ago. want a real difference=3:73 gears.

just my $0.02


rick

 

Forgive me for my lack of car knowledge but how much does 3:14 and 3:42 gears cost? Now I'm interested. . .

Thanks,
Dan

 

Is this different than if the car was purchased new? I don't remember "babying" my Z in such a way!