Is a 3.73 swap worth it?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 606
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From: Wernersville PA
Is a 3.73 swap worth it?
Is it worth it in terms of performance to swap a 3.42 Z06 diff for a 3.73? I don't want to go any higher(3.90) because I don't want my highway mileage to suffer.
Last edited by DoubleZ06; Mar 4, 2006 at 10:17 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 784
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From: Edmond OK.
From what I've learned here on CF that it is alot of $$ for little difference (3.42 to 3.73). Most here would say for the $$ spent to go ahead and do the 3.90s. That said, if you keep your vette stock. If you go supercharged then you want to stay with the 3.42s or at the most 3.73s. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 6,725
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From: South Bend IN
It all depends if you want to pick up a few 10ths in your quarter mile time. Traction will be less and stickier tires a must, Rpms per givin mph will be increased around 200 with 3.73's. You'll definately feel some increased acceleration. With a 6 speed your 5th gear will become more usable and as another poster stated 3.90's would be a more useful mod as once in 6th your mileage would still be good. 
Last edited by Dave00C5; Mar 4, 2006 at 10:28 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,308
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From: The Beautiful Greater Bay Area California
As a comment for thought: The 3:73's are now o.e. for the new C6 Z06. And, the 3:73's were chosen by GM as a great all around rear gear improvement for any daily driver (DD) when considering that as one contemplates 3:90's and 4:10's (which are excellent for quarter mile runs and reduced times in a dedicated racer, and, offers great SOTP acceleration for any vehicle), AND, the thinner splines, the sacrifice of usable traction in most common tire applications, as well as, generally experiencing a reduction of the higher o.e. mpg that you were accustomed to when the rear gears were stock; these issues are important concerns to keep in mind when installing 3:90's and 4:10's. Again, if mileageability is your concern, the 3:73's are, indeed, a nice feasible alternative. However, the choice is yours.
