Michael99Vette
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Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Gallatin Tennessee
Michael99Vette
I just bought a 1999 Vette, Conv., automatic. I haven't had a Vette since the 1985 model, years ago. My 85 with 245 HP would burn rubber all day long and tire squeal hitting second gear. This 99 with 100 more HP won't even chirp the tires. It has the traction control but it doesn't matter. Even with it off, it won't even chirp the tires. This truly sounds messed up. Is there something wrong with the car or is this how it's designed? Please let me know. Thank you.
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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
First - congratulations on buying your C5.
Second - you said it's an automatic, I'm betting it has the 2.73 rear gears. If you check the RPO sticker on the inside of the glove box door, you'll probably find GU2 which is the RPO (regular production option) code for the 2.73 rear end. For your reference, there were three different gearsets used in the C5.
2.73 was standard with the A4 automatic
3.15 was the optional performance gearset on the A4
3.42 was the standard and only available gearset with the manual MN6 transmission.
Lot's of folks have upgraded their gearsets to something higher, one of the most popular for the 2.73 is to go to the 3.42.
Another way you can verify this other than looking under the car and looking for a tag on the differential is to drive the car in 3rd gear at 70mph. Look at the tach, read the rpm's and divide by 1000. If you have the 2.73, you'll be turning 2730 rpms.
With a higher numerical set, you should have no problems getting rubber.
Second - you said it's an automatic, I'm betting it has the 2.73 rear gears. If you check the RPO sticker on the inside of the glove box door, you'll probably find GU2 which is the RPO (regular production option) code for the 2.73 rear end. For your reference, there were three different gearsets used in the C5.
2.73 was standard with the A4 automatic
3.15 was the optional performance gearset on the A4
3.42 was the standard and only available gearset with the manual MN6 transmission.
Lot's of folks have upgraded their gearsets to something higher, one of the most popular for the 2.73 is to go to the 3.42.
Another way you can verify this other than looking under the car and looking for a tag on the differential is to drive the car in 3rd gear at 70mph. Look at the tach, read the rpm's and divide by 1000. If you have the 2.73, you'll be turning 2730 rpms.
With a higher numerical set, you should have no problems getting rubber.
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 97
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From: Gallatin Tennessee
No hole shot!
Thank you both for your response. I believe you're both right. Entering an expressway yesterday, from the "on-ramp" I punched it and it had a hesitation before it took off... therefore, tune-up. Plus, inside the glove box, big as life, GU2. Man... 2.73 gears really suck. Do you or anyone know the approximate cost of a 3.42 gear change? I know different parts of the country have different prices. I'm just looking for a ball park price. By the way... I live in Hendersonville, TN., pretty close to Nashville.
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Title town, Champs live here.
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19
If you want to move to 3.42's regularly check the parts for sale thread they show up there fairly regularly. I had the 2.73 set up in my 99 the 3.15 is much better, but if you are going to the trouble to swap out you might as well go the 3.42 route. Congrats on your new car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Twilight zone
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Hi,
I came from an 85 also,and I now have a 98 as well.So, we kinda have the same history brotha
There is a small hesitation when you punch it as it drops down in gears from a roll,so what you are experiencing may be normal and not a tune up issue.
I had 3:15 gears and went to 3:42's.It made the perfect compromise for me. Lot's of performance with little sacrifice at cruising speed and gas mileage. I love it!
In your scenario,coming from 2:73's,it will be a HUGE difference.It will feel like a completely different car for you.
As stated above, if you are careful and get a good , no issue used differential,you should be able to pick one up in our own "parts for sale" section for +/- $500.00. Labor to swap it should be around $400 or so.You may also be able to sell your existing diff for a couple hundred,if you find the right buyer (although they are not in super high demand)
So, taking this avenue you could be in it well under $1,000.00
OR, you could go new parts and labor for somewhere in the $1,700.00 ballpark figure
Best bang for the buck in your position.
I came from an 85 also,and I now have a 98 as well.So, we kinda have the same history brotha
There is a small hesitation when you punch it as it drops down in gears from a roll,so what you are experiencing may be normal and not a tune up issue.
I had 3:15 gears and went to 3:42's.It made the perfect compromise for me. Lot's of performance with little sacrifice at cruising speed and gas mileage. I love it!
In your scenario,coming from 2:73's,it will be a HUGE difference.It will feel like a completely different car for you.
As stated above, if you are careful and get a good , no issue used differential,you should be able to pick one up in our own "parts for sale" section for +/- $500.00. Labor to swap it should be around $400 or so.You may also be able to sell your existing diff for a couple hundred,if you find the right buyer (although they are not in super high demand)
So, taking this avenue you could be in it well under $1,000.00
OR, you could go new parts and labor for somewhere in the $1,700.00 ballpark figure
Best bang for the buck in your position.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,897
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From: Hillsboro OR
As a 2003 A4 owner I fully agree on the change to the 3:42. It will press you back into your seat harder. I also highly recommend that you have your trans tuned. Changing the shift times, upshift and downshift points will really turn up the "sports car" feel. You'll be burning off the tires in no time. 
Congrats on your new(er) Vette!!
Congrats on your new(er) Vette!!
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Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Gallatin Tennessee
Thank you for the information. Yes, I am using 91 octane. But, it had gas in it when I bought it, last Saturday. I didn't have to fill it up until yesterday. I put in the premium gas. It was Shell. I think it's 92.
Thanks for your "congrats". I love this car. It's so far advanced over that 85, it's unbelievable. Now... if I do buy a new ring and pinion gears, what size is my rear end (8.25, 8.5, 8.75, etc.)?
Thanks for your "congrats". I love this car. It's so far advanced over that 85, it's unbelievable. Now... if I do buy a new ring and pinion gears, what size is my rear end (8.25, 8.5, 8.75, etc.)?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 7,727
Likes: 7
From: Twilight zone
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Thank you for the information. Yes, I am using 91 octane. But, it had gas in it when I bought it, last Saturday. I didn't have to fill it up until yesterday. I put in the premium gas. It was Shell. I think it's 92.
Thanks for your "congrats". I love this car. It's so far advanced over that 85, it's unbelievable. Now... if I do buy a new ring and pinion gears, what size is my rear end (8.25, 8.5, 8.75, etc.)?
Thanks for your "congrats". I love this car. It's so far advanced over that 85, it's unbelievable. Now... if I do buy a new ring and pinion gears, what size is my rear end (8.25, 8.5, 8.75, etc.)?
Pro
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Show me lower taxes Missouri
I just bought a 1999 Vette, Conv., automatic. I haven't had a Vette since the 1985 model, years ago. My 85 with 245 HP would burn rubber all day long and tire squeal hitting second gear. This 99 with 100 more HP won't even chirp the tires. It has the traction control but it doesn't matter. Even with it off, it won't even chirp the tires. This truly sounds messed up. Is there something wrong with the car or is this how it's designed? Please let me know. Thank you.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
I have a 2002 Z51 with the A4 and had a tune done by Chuck @ CoW and I have no trouble getting the tires loose, I do have the 3.15 gears. I am not in the habit of spinning the tires though, More into the traction side of it.
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 312
Likes: 2
From: Elizabeth City North Carolina
You know, the sad part is that to upgrade it will be somewhere between 1000.00 and 3000.00 more than likely. I know I have the G92 which is 3.15 from the factory. I was just looking at the build/order sheet and to go to the G92 was only a 100.00 upgrade when building. Although it was 350.00 extra on the sticker price....I have a MY 2000 vert.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2008
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i have a 99 i bought last year. it was just as you are describing yours. mine had the optional 3.15 rearend. i was very disappointed in the performance. i purchased a diablo predator this spring and it turned into a Corvette. used standard tune and now will smokem in first-burns when it hits second- third gear gives a little chirp. im finally satisfied with the power. took about 15 minutes to do in the garage. good luck ed
