do I want a performance axle?
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 170
Likes: 1
From: Newcastle OK
You have to be happy with whatever you purchase, but I really don't think you can go wrong if it says Corvette on the back.
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Lake Havasu City Az
HAVE 3:42's
I bought my Vette (2003) in March 2006, it came with a 3:42 and no one knew it, everything said a 2:73. ( it was chev exec car prior to me) I had lots of problems, I towed it to 3 dealers. The last one put in a hyperteck program. I love the 3:42's. I would never go back to the original. LOVE THE 3:42's
RTW
RTW
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
Likes: 180
From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
I bought my Vette (2003) in March 2006, it came with a 3:42 and no one knew it, everything said a 2:73. ( it was chev exec car prior to me) I had lots of problems, I towed it to 3 dealers. The last one put in a hyperteck program. I love the 3:42's. I would never go back to the original. LOVE THE 3:42's
RTW
RTW
Racer
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 364
Likes: 1
From: Fresno Calif.
Befor I bought my 04. I drove a couple of them at different dealers. I thought I wanted the 2.73 so I could get the best mileage poss. I drove one with the 2.72 and thought it seemed a little "sluggish" Then I drove another one at another dealer, it had the 3.15. I bought that one. It felt more like I expected a Corvette to feel. Like it wants to take rip out with out even having to step on it! Get the 3.15 equiped C5 its the only way to go!
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 27,567
Likes: 99
From: San Diego
I have the 2.73 gearing, and it's definetly more sluggish. Going on canyon runs with other corvettes, I get walked by stock 3.15's all day long.
I'll be swapping out to 3.42's since I'm converting to a 6spd(a friend has a wrecked 02' manual tranny I can snake all the parts I need minus motor for mega cheap). Unless you're not going to be driving it hard, you'll probably be happy with the 2.73's...
I however, am not.
I'll be swapping out to 3.42's since I'm converting to a 6spd(a friend has a wrecked 02' manual tranny I can snake all the parts I need minus motor for mega cheap). Unless you're not going to be driving it hard, you'll probably be happy with the 2.73's...
I however, am not.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,137
Likes: 1
From: Insane Diego Kalifonya Baby
I had the 2.73 and the car with new tires on it would not break the tires loose even with the TC off unless I power braked her. I went with the 3.42s it's the way they should have been set up from the factory. My gas milage dropped maybe 1 mpg hwy but I picked up about 1-2 mpg city. So gas milage is not a factor to worry about. I tach 2100 @ 70mph where before 1900. Depending on which route you go "new or used rearend" you can get the job done for around $800-1600 including reprograming the shift points. Or buy a car with the 3.15 and be done with it. I never regreted doing it.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 26,794
Likes: 614
From: Elmhurst, IL (West Suburb of Chicago) & Home of MEGA Horsepower
St. Jude Donor '06
Get the 3.15s for sure then upgrade those for 3.90s and you will be thanking me as your car will feel like it has a 100 shot of N20 on it by simply bolting on gears and doing nothing else!!
I am dead serious, but that having been said you WANT FOR SURE the 3.15s over the dog 2.73s!!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 838
Likes: 0
From: Illinois/Ca
Standard is 2:73, performance is 3:15. You definitely want it, not only for your own driving, but when you try to sell the car in the future. Gas mileage is not the issue for me, but it seems to be pretty close to the standard one. Look on the glove compartment door for the code G92 if you aren't sure (or under the driver's side storage compartment lid on the older model C5's) I passed up a couple of nice cars waiting to find the 3:15's.
Have it. Love it.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,405
Likes: 26
From: Whippany NJ
CI 6-7-8-9 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I am shopping for an automatic C5 to replace my C4. I see some for sale with a performance axle. What is the difference from the standard axle, why would I want it, what diffence and when would I notice the difference? How much of a difference does it make in gas milage? I am looking for a daily driver that will be used equally on city streets and open highway.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,235
Likes: 2
From: Haymarket VA
CI 7-8 Veteran
I've heard that doing a gear change is the most effective way of getting WOW! for $$$ spent on mods. I bought my car with the 3.15's because It just felt WAY better to me than the 2.73's. It was a must have option for me. Like was said before, go and drive them both before making a decision.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
Likes: 180
From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 8,629
Likes: 16
From: York PA
