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Talk me into this (gearing)

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Old Mar 5, 2010 | 09:09 AM
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Default Talk me into this (gearing)

I ordered a differential with 3.42 gears online. It arrived yesterday. I unpack it and take a look....3.15 gears. Ugh!!! It's about $100 each way for shipping and I only paid $300 for it to begin with!!

So how huge is the difference? I know I would notice if I were to drive both. But now I'm thinking I might be stuck with this differential (I don't have the time nor patience to find another one at that price). I don't have the $$ to replace it. Having never driven with 3.42, if I go with the one I have will I still be impressed or is it too close to the 2.73 I have now?

Thanks for any experienced opinions.
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Old Mar 5, 2010 | 09:16 AM
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I've driven both 2.73 and 3.15 cars and there is a sure difference in feel. Much more lively (responsive) and the pick-up in speed has a noticable feel as your back presses into the seat.

If you install those gears (and especially for the low cost so far) I think you'll say it was worth the effort.

That being said, I think 3.42s would be perfect... but also on the same note I would rather 3.73s if you had to choose at retail cost between the two.

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Old Mar 5, 2010 | 10:35 AM
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can't you call whoever you bought it from and have them pay for the return??
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Old Mar 5, 2010 | 10:55 AM
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How much would it cost if he kept the differential and changed out the gears?
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Old Mar 5, 2010 | 10:57 AM
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Did you buy it from a private seller and did they specify it was a 3.42 if so they should eat the shipping. I did the 3.42's in my 04 vert and I am extremely happy with the difference.
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Old Mar 5, 2010 | 12:40 PM
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Really depends on what you do with your car. I am getting some 315's for mine to replace the 273's I have in there now. I wanted something that would still get decent gas mileage for when I go on cruises and still be able to get it off the line quicker than the 273's. I do more cruising and road trips than racing so that is why I chose the 315's. If the guy you bought it from misrepresented the gears, then you should try to get your money back and hopefully he will pay the shipping if you don't want it. Good luck.
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Old Mar 5, 2010 | 02:39 PM
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There is a noticeable difference between 2.73 and 3.15.

There is a HUGE difference between 2.73 and 3.42...

Do what makes sense financially, but if I bought something that was misrepresented, I would want ALL of my money back... including shipping.

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Old Mar 5, 2010 | 03:37 PM
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Well, to ship it back is about $100. To ship the right one is about the same. I got it on ebay. They have about 200 sales and 100% positive feedback so I'm hoping they'll make it right. I have a feeling I'll have to pay the shipping back in order to get the right one.

They didn't misrepresent. I had originally ordered the 3.15 before seeing the 3.42 was available from same seller. So we canceled the first order, then I bought the lower gears. I think there was some confusion caused by that. I really want the 3.42, though!!
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Old Mar 5, 2010 | 04:28 PM
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Originally Posted by HD_2_C5
Well, to ship it back is about $100. To ship the right one is about the same. I got it on ebay. They have about 200 sales and 100% positive feedback so I'm hoping they'll make it right. I have a feeling I'll have to pay the shipping back in order to get the right one.

They didn't misrepresent. I had originally ordered the 3.15 before seeing the 3.42 was available from same seller. So we canceled the first order, then I bought the lower gears. I think there was some confusion caused by that. I really want the 3.42, though!!
The difference between 2.73 and 3.15 is quite large. If for some reason you end up having the keep the 3.15's you will still be happy. I have driven all three and the jump from 3.15 to 3.42 was not nearly as noticeable as the jump from 2.73 to 3.15.
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Old Mar 5, 2010 | 04:54 PM
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Originally Posted by HD_2_C5
Well, to ship it back is about $100. To ship the right one is about the same. I got it on ebay. They have about 200 sales and 100% positive feedback so I'm hoping they'll make it right. I have a feeling I'll have to pay the shipping back in order to get the right one.

They didn't misrepresent. I had originally ordered the 3.15 before seeing the 3.42 was available from same seller. So we canceled the first order, then I bought the lower gears. I think there was some confusion caused by that. I really want the 3.42, though!!
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Old Mar 5, 2010 | 05:21 PM
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If your going to do the work I would get what you want with the 3.42's. Send me a Pm I might be interested in the 3.15's mainly because I might be at 750 rwhp and I want the taller gears.

Last edited by Wicked C5; Mar 5, 2010 at 07:46 PM.
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Old Mar 5, 2010 | 05:42 PM
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if you are doing all of this, do 3.42's man. they rock in a auto and still are nice on the highway, and still go for 200mph blasts (HP depending of course)
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Old Mar 5, 2010 | 07:11 PM
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Same here go for the 3.42 ,do it once. Consider a TC.at the same time.
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Old Mar 6, 2010 | 01:45 AM
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Originally Posted by 2079
Same here go for the 3.42 ,do it once. Consider a TC.at the same time.
Given the budget and the responses I've gotten on previous threads, I won't be doing a TC. Most have said for my purposes (strictly street use) it's not really necessary. Some have downright prefered stock.

As for original topic, looks like the seller is being great about this. They are going to pay to ship this one back (unless I sell it locally for them) AND ship me the right one. In the end, they'll be paying about $180 in shipping charges for a $300 part. That's a company I can support. If it goes as smoothly as they are making it sound, I'll share their user ID in support.

Last edited by HD_2_C5; Mar 6, 2010 at 01:48 AM.
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Old Mar 7, 2010 | 10:55 AM
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I agree go for the 3.42's even if it cost an extra $100.00 for shipping it will be the best hundred bucks you ever spent. As the Nike ad says JUST DO IT!
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Old Mar 7, 2010 | 11:52 AM
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Better get what you want now them regretting it down the road and always thinking about it and having to redo even if you have to pay the shipping. Or if you can find a car that has 3:15 and another that has 3:42 and ask to go for a ride or drive it.
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