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Diff change

Old Mar 18, 2025 | 01:47 PM
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Default Diff change

I have a base 97 automatic with ls6 intake, cold air intake, long tube headers & x pipe cat delete, secondary air delete. I want to swap my 2.73 differential for a 3.15 I realize it’s not that big a jump but wanted to ask if it’s ok to swap pretty sure my stock differential is 1 rib would it matter if the new differential is a 1 or 2 rib? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
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Old Mar 18, 2025 | 02:10 PM
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You will enjoy the driving experience I also did the 2.73 to 3.15 change. 1 or 2 ribs either one will work
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Old Mar 18, 2025 | 02:12 PM
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2 rib case is a bit stronger, but both will work. You'll need to get the TCU tweaked for the new ratio.
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Old Mar 18, 2025 | 02:14 PM
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I had a local guy re-program my shift points, he said he found all the info on HP tuners forum/help group. (he downloaded a tune someone gave him).
your speedo will be normal because the sensor is located by the axel. he said the shift points changed by about 15%.
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Old Mar 18, 2025 | 02:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Douglas97vette
I have a base 97 automatic with ls6 intake, cold air intake, long tube headers & x pipe cat delete, secondary air delete. I want to swap my 2.73 differential for a 3.15 I realize it’s not that big a jump but wanted to ask if it’s ok to swap pretty sure my stock differential is 1 rib would it matter if the new differential is a 1 or 2 rib? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
It won't hurt anything. The 3.15 was an option on the automatics.

Did they make a 2-rib diff? I thought it was only the 1-rib and 3-rib.
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Old Mar 18, 2025 | 02:19 PM
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Default RPM change at 80 ish 2.73 to 3.15 diff



Last edited by JCMDoug; Mar 18, 2025 at 02:20 PM. Reason: more info
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Old Mar 18, 2025 | 02:24 PM
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While you in there change the fuel filter, it's much easier with the diff out also it a good time to replace the shift cable.
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Old Mar 18, 2025 | 03:53 PM
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Might want to put a transmission output shaft seal in as well. I am doing just that after mine puked moving it out of the garage last week.
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Old Mar 18, 2025 | 09:26 PM
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Originally Posted by 99FRC Newb
It won't hurt anything. The 3.15 was an option on the automatics.

Did they make a 2-rib diff? I thought it was only the 1-rib and 3-rib.
  • What it is: The "2-rib" designation refers to the appearance of the aluminum case on the rear differential, which has two visible ribs on its surface.
  • Models: This type of case was used in some C5 Corvettes, including those with 2.73 or 3.23 gear ratios.
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Old Mar 18, 2025 | 11:12 PM
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Guys, it's 1 rib diff or 3 rib diff. There isn't a "2 rib diff". Yes, the 3 rib has more structural rigidity but just as many 3 ribs grenade as do the 1 rib. Typically when the cases crack they crack around output shafts. Not at the ribs in the casing. And no, it does not matter if your original diff was 1 rib when replacing with a 3 rib. They are interchangeable.

I've had to swap diffs out a few times after cracking the case at the output shafts on two separate diffs with 4.10 gears and one with stock 3.42. And stock diffs only come in 2.73 or 3.15 for the A4. And 3.42 for the M6 cars.

The diff case design was 1 rib for the earlier model C5s but changed to 3 rib on the '01 Z06. Then all '02 up cars got the 3 rib. All Z06 diffs came with 3 ribs and shotpeened gears.



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Old Mar 20, 2025 | 02:48 AM
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Originally Posted by 99FRC Newb
It won't hurt anything. The 3.15 was an option on the automatics.

Did they make a 2-rib diff? I thought it was only the 1-rib and 3-rib.
I too have only heard about a 1 or 3 rib diff for the C5.
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Old Mar 24, 2025 | 03:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Johnny Hardcore
Guys, it's 1 rib diff or 3 rib diff. There isn't a "2 rib diff". Yes, the 3 rib has more structural rigidity but just as many 3 ribs grenade as do the 1 rib. Typically when the cases crack they crack around output shafts. Not at the ribs in the casing. And no, it does not matter if your original diff was 1 rib when replacing with a 3 rib. They are interchangeable.

I've had to swap diffs out a few times after cracking the case at the output shafts on two separate diffs with 4.10 gears and one with stock 3.42. And stock diffs only come in 2.73 or 3.15 for the A4. And 3.42 for the M6 cars.

The diff case design was 1 rib for the earlier model C5s but changed to 3 rib on the '01 Z06. Then all '02 up cars got the 3 rib. All Z06 diffs came with 3 ribs and shotpeened gears.
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