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Which differential for automatic Corvette

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Old Nov 29, 2011 | 03:30 AM
  #1  
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Default Which differential for automatic Corvette

My Corvette still has the 2.73 differential.
This winter I would like to upgrade. I just do not know what differential would be useful.
I'm normally up to 80mph highway. but also sometimes top speed.

Since an exchange does not make sense, because transport costs from Europe to America for my old diff are quite high so im into buying a new one.
Where and what diff should I buy? 3.42 or maybe a 3.7?
Top speed is not soo important. But a quicker acceleration. I'm now at 5.3s to 60mph

Brings a different torque converter even more acceleration?

I like the low rpm at 80mph. But i whant even more acceleration for driving over the hills here in Switzerland.

I have now. A Vararam with powerducts and a Predator tune in it.

greets René
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Old Nov 29, 2011 | 07:14 AM
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Default rear

3.42 or 3.73 both will make a big difference the 3.73 rears are harder to find and cost quite a bit more, 3.42 are on ebay for 500/700 bucs shipping to switz. prob. would cost 250/350 so around 1000 total
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Old Nov 29, 2011 | 08:23 AM
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i think i will go with a new unit. Because ordering a used one on ebay and send it to switzerland is to much risk. When it is damaged the backsending ist as expensive as the whole unit did cost.

so better order a new one from a good dealer with a good name and then i order the ratio that is the best for my needs. But even dont know if 3.42 or 3.7 is the best ratio for me.

mfG René
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Old Nov 29, 2011 | 08:54 AM
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Originally Posted by vollmi
i think i will go with a new unit. Because ordering a used one on ebay and send it to switzerland is to much risk. When it is damaged the backsending ist as expensive as the whole unit did cost.

so better order a new one from a good dealer with a good name and then i order the ratio that is the best for my needs. But even dont know if 3.42 or 3.7 is the best ratio for me.

mfG René

I would get a 3.42 rear from the dealer then. I thought all the 3.42 rear ends were from a Z06 these days. If not, then get one for a Z06 since the gears are stronger.
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Old Nov 29, 2011 | 10:15 AM
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3.42 would be a great all around ratio for what you want.
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Old Nov 29, 2011 | 01:03 PM
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Originally Posted by rebelheart
3.42 would be a great all around ratio for what you want.


3.73 would be a huge difference. And was never offered by GM.

Ron
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Old Nov 29, 2011 | 02:19 PM
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A agree a 3.42 would be the best of both worlds---I still get 28 MPH @60 MPH on my hds/cam '98 A4-- I bought a Z06 take off diff.--They are stronger as the gears are "shot peened" On the diff. it is clearly marked as 3.42 SP ---- I found it on E-Bay for $600
YES a stall converter is (IMO) the BEST mod for any auto C5-----It can make your car
3-5 tenths quicker in the 1/4 mile--even with just a purely stock engine !!!
It still locks ups like a stock converter ( 1400-1600 stall) so the freeway mileage is unchanged--- I would consider a stall of about at least 2400-2800 or nothing at all---for a more of a street friendly non issue change----But if you are more serious and love acceleration I would absolutely get at least a 3000-3200----- Again no change in mileage but it will make your car a BEAST down low---As far as longivity--as long as you add an aftermarket trans cooler and drive "sensibly"-no issues---( except the need for getting new rear tires with the killer launch)---LOL----
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Old Nov 30, 2011 | 03:56 AM
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Originally Posted by tblu92
A agree a 3.42 would be the best of both worlds
Okay you guys convinced me

Ich think i go with this then:
WCC Is this the Z06 Diff?

And this one:
WCC Torque Converter

You think then im Happy with the acceleration?

Or any cheaper advices? Where i get both for about 2000$? with a 3000 Converter?

Now the top Speed is in 3. Gear. how ist it after? Topspeed in 4.?

mfG René
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Old Nov 30, 2011 | 10:39 AM
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Originally Posted by vollmi
Okay you guys convinced me

Ich think i go with this then:
WCC Is this the Z06 Diff?

You think then im Happy with the acceleration?

Or any cheaper advices? Where i get both for about 2000$? with a 3000 Converter?

Now the top Speed is in 3. Gear. how ist it after? Topspeed in 4.?
That looks like the Z06 diff, so you should be good there. I am not familiar with that torque converter.

It will be a night and day difference in acceleration. The stock car is very weak off of the line. The 3.42 will make a big difference. You will also need someone to update the shift points on the car to match the new gear set. If you go to a local tuner, you can get them to speed up and firm up the shifts in the car to make it even better.

Top speed in 3rd gear for my car is over 130mph, but I have more modifications. I don't know what it is since I have not gone any faster than that and I still had more time left in 3rd before I would need to switch to 4th gear.
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Old Nov 30, 2011 | 12:31 PM
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Originally Posted by rebelheart
3.42 would be a great all around ratio for what you want.
I have the 342 rear and a Yank 3200 TQ. This combo makes for a fun car and a great DD.
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Old Nov 30, 2011 | 08:43 PM
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Originally Posted by Redhawg
I have the 342 rear and a Yank 3200 TQ. This combo makes for a fun car and a great DD.
I have the same gear an TQ converter with 600hp and it is an awesome setup. I'm glad I went with a 3.42 and 3200 Yank, any bigger and I would most likely not like the street drivability. It's perfect right now and a whole lotta fun!!!
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Old May 23, 2012 | 02:11 AM
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Originally Posted by chaase
It will be a night and day difference in acceleration. The stock car is very weak off of the line. The 3.42 will make a big difference. You will also need someone to update the shift points on the car to match the new gear set. If you go to a local tuner, you can get them to speed up and firm up the shifts in the car to make it even better.
yes so i hat the car to a tuner and he changed the gears to 3.42 And at this point i let him make a tune on a dynojet to fit te new gears and adjust the new maf with the vararam and the fusion exhaust.

the difference is unbelievable. It accelerates to the 150mile mark like crazy. but i had no chance to go to maximum because of the traffic here.

mfG René
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Old May 23, 2012 | 11:01 AM
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That sounds like what you were looking for.
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Old May 23, 2012 | 11:57 AM
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yeah i thought so. But the Tuning Shop hat a C5 with an LS3 in it there. And now im hot for an LS3 also
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Old May 23, 2012 | 01:41 PM
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I would go with the 3:42s and at least a 3200 stall. In regular driving there will hardly be a noticeable difference, until you decide to mash the loud pedal.
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