4.10 gears
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Munster Indiana
4.10 gears
I've been searching for about an hour now and I've come up with a few decent threads but nothing that can fully answer my questions.
First off, I have a '98 C5 with a 6 speed manual trans. That means I have the 3.42 gears in my rear end right?
Second, what should I be looking for as far as a gear swap goes? I have 243 heads and a mild cam, headers, Corsa exhaust, CAI, BBK intake mani and 80mm TB. I was wanting to go with 4.10's or 4.11's. Does that seem like a good choice for my current set up?
About how much should I expect to spend in the Chicago area? All I have really found is a shop willing to swap in a new 4.10 diff. for $1800. Are there other options?
With my set up, how noticeable will the new gears be? Can anyone guess as to what I will (ballpark) run in the 1/4 mile? (and about how much time should the 4.10's shave from whatever my current time is)
So far all I have read are simple posts of people saying "It's worth it" Can anyone give me some details as to the driveability of the 4.10's? As far as tires go I have 3.15's in the rear so I should still stick to the ground alright....right?
Where is the smart money at? Should I pay to have my 243 heads ported and polished and get a meaner cam and tune, or just get the ring and pinion gears?
Thanks!
First off, I have a '98 C5 with a 6 speed manual trans. That means I have the 3.42 gears in my rear end right?
Second, what should I be looking for as far as a gear swap goes? I have 243 heads and a mild cam, headers, Corsa exhaust, CAI, BBK intake mani and 80mm TB. I was wanting to go with 4.10's or 4.11's. Does that seem like a good choice for my current set up?
About how much should I expect to spend in the Chicago area? All I have really found is a shop willing to swap in a new 4.10 diff. for $1800. Are there other options?
With my set up, how noticeable will the new gears be? Can anyone guess as to what I will (ballpark) run in the 1/4 mile? (and about how much time should the 4.10's shave from whatever my current time is)
So far all I have read are simple posts of people saying "It's worth it" Can anyone give me some details as to the driveability of the 4.10's? As far as tires go I have 3.15's in the rear so I should still stick to the ground alright....right?
Where is the smart money at? Should I pay to have my 243 heads ported and polished and get a meaner cam and tune, or just get the ring and pinion gears?
Thanks!
Last edited by Simbotto; Jun 1, 2009 at 06:57 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 866
Likes: 4
From: Bucks County PA
Well, I've put over 1000 miles on my 4.10's (6-speed 04 coupe) and I love them! I was very reluctant at first but then after talking with the guys at ECS I felt much better about going to 4.10's. This helped me make my decision:
http://www.eastcoastsupercharging.co...rGraph-MPH.jpg
The car is so much quicker and 6th gear is now usable! If you do a gear swap, I'd consider a hardened output shaft...I did and also went with an ECS trans brace for insurance.
http://www.eastcoastsupercharging.co...rGraph-MPH.jpg
The car is so much quicker and 6th gear is now usable! If you do a gear swap, I'd consider a hardened output shaft...I did and also went with an ECS trans brace for insurance.
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
There is no compromise with driveability. You will now use 5th gear around town sometimes even 6th too. Its not too much gear as most think it is including myself before I pulled the trigger.
One of the best mods i ever did to my car.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,518
Likes: 37
I got 4.10 gears and it has been the best thing ever. It is an auto and a daily driver. What a difference. I kept the stock stall as it is a daily driver. Can feel much more power through the whole rpm range.
People comment:
"Wow you are going to lose top speed." Well I guess I would top out at 120 mph instead of 140 mph but I will never find that out on the street so no problem.
"Gas mileage is going to go down." True it did cost a couple mpg but the trade off in fun is well worth it for me.
And I often think driving around now "This is the best car ever!" Will be a memorable car in years to come as I move on to different cars over the years.
Get 4.10 gears, no regrets.
People comment:
"Wow you are going to lose top speed." Well I guess I would top out at 120 mph instead of 140 mph but I will never find that out on the street so no problem.
"Gas mileage is going to go down." True it did cost a couple mpg but the trade off in fun is well worth it for me.
And I often think driving around now "This is the best car ever!" Will be a memorable car in years to come as I move on to different cars over the years.
Get 4.10 gears, no regrets.
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Pro
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 547
Likes: 2
From: Clinton Twp. Michigan
Go to the ECS site!!!! They have a chart listing speed vs rpm vs vehicle type. Remember a C5 auto trans runs higher rpms than than a 6spd coupe, and a ZO6 6spd will also run higher rpms than the coupe, but not as high as an auto, because its trans gearing is different. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,208
Likes: 0
From: Newport Beach California
4.10s is incredible, and makes 6th gear actually usuable if you go anywhere near the speed limit lol. I have exh, intake, tune, and 4.10s, and in 6th gear im going 77 mph @ 2000 rpm, i cant imagine what it would be like with lower gearing haha
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,208
Likes: 0
From: Newport Beach California
In terms of top speed: i bought the car with 4.10s so i cant personally compare to 3.42, but im pushing 351 rwhp and in 5th gear i can go 165 mph @ 6500 rpm
just for a reference
just for a reference
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,602
Likes: 20
From: Palm City Florida
5th is soo usable now I can redline in it..
With enough HP you can see over 200 with 6th..
I love my 4:10's
Last edited by chuckster; Jun 3, 2009 at 02:55 PM.
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 263
Likes: 1
From: Andover KS
How useable is 1st gear with the 4:10's and a 6 speed? I would imagine it is over pretty quick? I'm thinking of this Mod myself. How hard could it be to crack the rear end open and R&R the gears with the proper tools? GM didn't reinvent the wheel inside of there did they?
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,456
Likes: 29
From: Wichita Falls Texas