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Supercharged 3.42 or 3.73

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Old Oct 29, 2008 | 09:14 PM
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Default Supercharged 3.42 or 3.73

Looks like my DTE rear is done. Would 3.42 be better than 3.73? Here's my set up. 03 C5, Vortech SC, 484 hp, 410 tq, full exhaust, cam, A4 with 3500 stall. Currently running 3.73 and traction is none existant with 295 35 18's. Will be getting DR's 305 35 18. Looking for better traction and to get the best ET possible while still able to drive on the highway. Not a daily driver.
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Old Oct 29, 2008 | 09:32 PM
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Originally Posted by gman31
Looks like my DTE rear is done. Would 3.42 be better than 3.73? Here's my set up. 03 C5, Vortech SC, 484 hp, 410 tq, full exhaust, cam, A4 with 3500 stall. Currently running 3.73 and traction is none existant with 295 35 18's. Will be getting DR's 305 35 18. Looking for better traction and to get the best ET possible while still able to drive on the highway. Not a daily driver.
I running a 3.73, and I'm at 520hp/480tq. No traction until I switched to M/T's ET streets. Now she hooks great.
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Old Oct 29, 2008 | 09:47 PM
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Originally Posted by lucky131969
I running a 3.73, and I'm at 520hp/480tq. No traction until I switched to M/T's ET streets. Now she hooks great.
Ever had it to the track? If so what ET's? What size M/T's are you running?
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Old Oct 29, 2008 | 11:56 PM
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There is a formula of choosing gear ratio. I don't know what it is You will need to know the weight of car, HP/tq, tire diameter for the right gear running 6200 to 6500? rpm thu the traps. I'm guessing with your power the 3:73 would do the job. But if you add more HP later the 3:73's might run out of gear before the traps. You should ask DTE or RPM about this.
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Old Oct 29, 2008 | 11:58 PM
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Originally Posted by gman31
Ever had it to the track? If so what ET's? What size M/T's are you running?
Actually, I'm going this Saturday. I've only been once this year, and there were over 400 entries, so I only got two runs. It's the first time I've drag raced a stick, so I'm still getting used to it, launch rpms, etc. First time, I launched at 4500, and was spinning the tires. Second time, I launched at 3000 rpm, dead hook, and blew second gear , still ran a 12.5. I'm going through the traps at 120-122, so she has more potential, I'm the only thing holding her back.

I have M/T 315/30/18's.
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Old Oct 30, 2008 | 01:13 AM
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I run a N/A head and cam vette at 460 RWHP with 3.73 DTE rear and Yank SS3200. Runs great! Save money and keep your 3.73. I would only go to a 3.42 if you had over 600 RWHP. I pull 120.5 MPH in the 1/4 with 295 BFG street tires.
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Old Oct 30, 2008 | 08:49 AM
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Originally Posted by gman31
Looks like my DTE rear is done. Would 3.42 be better than 3.73? Here's my set up. 03 C5, Vortech SC, 484 hp, 410 tq, full exhaust, cam, A4 with 3500 stall. Currently running 3.73 and traction is none existant with 295 35 18's. Will be getting DR's 305 35 18. Looking for better traction and to get the best ET possible while still able to drive on the highway. Not a daily driver.
On my supercharged TA, going to 3:70's from 3.27's felt faster, but the time slip did not confirm that, and it made it much harder to launch, especially on the street. The steep first gear in the 700, plus your torque conv should be more than enough for 3.42's.
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Old Oct 30, 2008 | 01:16 PM
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I regret the 3:42 gears.

Leave a lot to be desired on the freeway, and no traction even with these before the converter is locked up, so it's not like steeper gears would be any worse.

I wish I went more aggressive. But my setup is on a stock motor with 7psi. Maybe If I had more power the 3:42 would be perfect.

I'd stick with what you have for now, and only swap if it ever becomes a necessity because you want to run the 1/4 mile and have too much power and the 3.73 are causing you to have to shift to 4th before the traps.
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Old Oct 30, 2008 | 01:57 PM
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I have 3.90s with 733RWHP and have no 1st/2nd gear at all. When I get round to having an RPM Stage V installed, I will be going back to 3.42s.
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Old Oct 30, 2008 | 06:43 PM
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Originally Posted by chris holmes
I have 3.90s with 733RWHP and have no 1st/2nd gear at all. When I get round to having an RPM Stage V installed, I will be going back to 3.42s.
Thats the problem I have with the 3.73. No first gear and very little second with an FLP stage 4. The rear end is shot and gonna need to make my mind up soon. I'm leaning toward 3.42. Any more input to convince me one way or the other? Also, if I switch to 3.42, the computer will need to be reprogramed, correct?
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Old Oct 30, 2008 | 08:17 PM
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Originally Posted by chris holmes
I have 3.90s with 733RWHP and have no 1st/2nd gear at all. When I get round to having an RPM Stage V installed, I will be going back to 3.42s.
me too!!
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Old Oct 30, 2008 | 11:09 PM
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Glad you guys told me about 3.73s being unsuitable also. I was thinking about just going back to 3.73s. Think I'll now got right back to 3.42s
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