3.73 or arh headers
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 43
Likes: 1
From: Sayreville, NJ
3.73 or arh headers
I'm not sure what to do next. I have an 01 auto with cold air intake cross with x pipe 3200 tc and a tune. I'm ready for more and not sure if headers or a gear swap to 3.73 (I currently have 3.15) is next. I want more off the line but I am concerned about high rpms on the highway. Because of the converter will I benefit from the added HP of the headers? Which will give me more bang for the buck. Some have said gears I wanted some more input.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,393
Likes: 17
From: Belleville Mich.
I'm a firm believer of rear gear change out for improved, off the line
performance.
In your case going from 3:15 to 3:73, you are going to have an
outstanding improvement.
You will of course have less mpg & higher rpm's, @ any given speed.
When I first modded mine, I went first w/cai,headers & x pipe.
Few years later went w/bigger differential.
If to do over again, I would have went cai, bigger differential & either skipped or made my last mod, the LT headers & x pipe.
Also, I should have went w/1-7/8" instead of the 1-3/4" right off the get go. Another words, a one shot deal. Not going bigger later.
Hope this helps & good luck.
performance.
In your case going from 3:15 to 3:73, you are going to have an
outstanding improvement.
You will of course have less mpg & higher rpm's, @ any given speed.
When I first modded mine, I went first w/cai,headers & x pipe.
Few years later went w/bigger differential.
If to do over again, I would have went cai, bigger differential & either skipped or made my last mod, the LT headers & x pipe.
Also, I should have went w/1-7/8" instead of the 1-3/4" right off the get go. Another words, a one shot deal. Not going bigger later.
Hope this helps & good luck.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 23,480
Likes: 9
From: East Meadow NY
St. Jude Donor '12
It is a tough call. You need to think about future modifications too. If you are doing nothing else than 3.73 are probably the best bang for the buck. If you are going to do more, then I would do the A.R. headers as it will help support future modifications.
For example, I wouldn't put in 3.73 if you are going to supercharge the car later. Think about you are going to do going forward.
For example, I wouldn't put in 3.73 if you are going to supercharge the car later. Think about you are going to do going forward.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
It is a tough call. You need to think about future modifications too. If you are doing nothing else than 3.73 are probably the best bang for the buck. If you are going to do more, then I would do the A.R. headers as it will help support future modifications.
For example, I wouldn't put in 3.73 if you are going to supercharge the car later. Think about you are going to do going forward.
For example, I wouldn't put in 3.73 if you are going to supercharge the car later. Think about you are going to do going forward.
Thanks for considering our product
Josh
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 8,077
Likes: 4
From: Scarborough ONTARIO
I have 4.10 on my Z (which is aggressive gearing already), will i go back to 3.42? i dont think so, yes my mileage dropped but too much fun with 4.10. 2500 rpm at 80 miles speed in 6th gear, before with 3.42 2000 rpm at 80 mph.
I love ARH headers nothing come close to if compared with other header system however it will not give you instant HP for sure.
i have LT headers and also H/C/I package as well.
GL its tough call, i would recommend buy stock 3.42 pumpkin only and swap it and go from there, if you dont like you can always switch back your Original gears.
I love ARH headers nothing come close to if compared with other header system however it will not give you instant HP for sure.
i have LT headers and also H/C/I package as well.
GL its tough call, i would recommend buy stock 3.42 pumpkin only and swap it and go from there, if you dont like you can always switch back your Original gears.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 27,567
Likes: 99
From: San Diego
You have an auto, so I'd say get the gears. It'll give you more seat of the pants performance(as well as on the street). 3.73's are a great gear to run, as they don't get in the way if you decide to go boost later. Hell I've considered putting 3.73's in my 6spd, since I need to beef up the rear end anyway. 
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 43
Likes: 1
From: Sayreville, NJ
Thank you for your honest opinion. I will probably do the gears first, then the headers as most said. I will keep you in mind when I'm ready for the headers.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 43
Likes: 1
From: Sayreville, NJ
I'm a firm believer of rear gear change out for improved, off the line
performance.
In your case going from 3:15 to 3:73, you are going to have an
outstanding improvement.
You will of course have less mpg & higher rpm's, @ any given speed.
When I first modded mine, I went first w/cai,headers & x pipe.
Few years later went w/bigger differential.
If to do over again, I would have went cai, bigger differential & either skipped or made my last mod, the LT headers & x pipe.
Also, I should have went w/1-7/8" instead of the 1-3/4" right off the get go. Another words, a one shot deal. Not going bigger later.
Hope this helps & good luck.
performance.
In your case going from 3:15 to 3:73, you are going to have an
outstanding improvement.
You will of course have less mpg & higher rpm's, @ any given speed.
When I first modded mine, I went first w/cai,headers & x pipe.
Few years later went w/bigger differential.
If to do over again, I would have went cai, bigger differential & either skipped or made my last mod, the LT headers & x pipe.
Also, I should have went w/1-7/8" instead of the 1-3/4" right off the get go. Another words, a one shot deal. Not going bigger later.
Hope this helps & good luck.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,393
Likes: 17
From: Belleville Mich.
I have a M12 Z tranny, which makes coming out of the hole a new learning experience.
You may want to pick up a new ECS strut brace or see about the used DTE one, for an auto that's been floating in the 4 sale section, here on the forum.
It may be the $300 insurance on the tranny/diff from extensive $damage$
Good luck.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 300
Likes: 0
From: Lubbock Texas
I think I would go headers now and the worry about the gear if you end up putting a camshaft in it down the road. The gear will make up for the bottom end TQ loss and get it into the powerband of the cam. However, you need to put headers on the car before you do a camshaft anyway. You could even put a cam in with the factory gear first and add the gear afterward. Just something to think about.
Jon
Jon
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 43
Likes: 1
From: Sayreville, NJ
It is a tough call. You need to think about future modifications too. If you are doing nothing else than 3.73 are probably the best bang for the buck. If you are going to do more, then I would do the A.R. headers as it will help support future modifications.
For example, I wouldn't put in 3.73 if you are going to supercharge the car later. Think about you are going to do going forward.
For example, I wouldn't put in 3.73 if you are going to supercharge the car later. Think about you are going to do going forward.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 43
Likes: 1
From: Sayreville, NJ
I went from my stock Z 3:42 to a built 3:90
I have a M12 Z tranny, which makes coming out of the hole a new learning experience.
You may want to pick up a new ECS strut brace or see about the used DTE one, for an auto that's been floating in the 4 sale section, here on the forum.
It may be the $300 insurance on the tranny/diff from extensive $damage$
Good luck.
I have a M12 Z tranny, which makes coming out of the hole a new learning experience.
You may want to pick up a new ECS strut brace or see about the used DTE one, for an auto that's been floating in the 4 sale section, here on the forum.
It may be the $300 insurance on the tranny/diff from extensive $damage$
Good luck.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
Team Owner
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 23,480
Likes: 9
From: East Meadow NY
St. Jude Donor '12
The Vette Doctors did all the work on my car and the car runs great and is a blast to drive.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 43
Likes: 1
From: Sayreville, NJ
You have an auto, so I'd say get the gears. It'll give you more seat of the pants performance(as well as on the street). 3.73's are a great gear to run, as they don't get in the way if you decide to go boost later. Hell I've considered putting 3.73's in my 6spd, since I need to beef up the rear end anyway.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 6
From: Granite Falls WA
blackwing CAI, and a tune. 3.42's will work well if i decide to go forced induction later. to be clear, i did not change the torque converter - left the stock one in.
the SOTP feel is great. lots more pep and the "feeling" of more low end torque.
3.42's are a good starting point. i guess 3.73's would be good too, but i thought that might be too much gear for me.
let us know what you decide.
the SOTP feel is great. lots more pep and the "feeling" of more low end torque.
3.42's are a good starting point. i guess 3.73's would be good too, but i thought that might be too much gear for me.
let us know what you decide.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 43
Likes: 1
From: Sayreville, NJ
blackwing CAI, and a tune. 3.42's will work well if i decide to go forced induction later. to be clear, i did not change the torque converter - left the stock one in.
the SOTP feel is great. lots more pep and the "feeling" of more low end torque.
3.42's are a good starting point. i guess 3.73's would be good too, but i thought that might be too much gear for me.
let us know what you decide.
the SOTP feel is great. lots more pep and the "feeling" of more low end torque.
3.42's are a good starting point. i guess 3.73's would be good too, but i thought that might be too much gear for me.
let us know what you decide.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 6
From: Granite Falls WA
3.42's are soooo much more fun. 
