street gearing?
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
street gearing?
My first 2000 was in 2001 in central FL It was easy to find empty roads at night and blasts to 150 were possible. Now, my second 2000 with 85k miles is more short burst and stoplight running. (trips over 150 miles rare). So the question is would 3.42 or even 3.73 gears be as cost effective for fun (not track) usage? I am leery of a top end kit on a high mileage engine so would this be a workable plan?
1. 3.42 gear )or 3.73?)
2. cold air intake
3. MAF sensor
4. Long tube headers
5. good tune
All these would still be valid if I could afford a top end kit later. I can deal with the mpg but would the gear make it more driveable in more traffic congested area?
1. 3.42 gear )or 3.73?)
2. cold air intake
3. MAF sensor
4. Long tube headers
5. good tune
All these would still be valid if I could afford a top end kit later. I can deal with the mpg but would the gear make it more driveable in more traffic congested area?
Last edited by 69rustang; Apr 4, 2025 at 11:59 AM. Reason: typo
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 29
Likes: 13
From: Pasadena, TX
Auto or 6 Speed?
I have an auto C5 that I am about to put a 3,.42 in myself. If it was a 6 speed, a 3.73 or even a 4.10. I used to have a Pontiac Formula 6 speed with a 3.42 it was still too much of a highway gearing, at 80 in 6th it would still be below 2k rpm.
I have an auto C5 that I am about to put a 3,.42 in myself. If it was a 6 speed, a 3.73 or even a 4.10. I used to have a Pontiac Formula 6 speed with a 3.42 it was still too much of a highway gearing, at 80 in 6th it would still be below 2k rpm.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Gearing
Its auto...i cant drive stick due to numerous hip/back/shoulder surgeries last 5 yrs...
i did the math and even 373 not out of the question. Many LS hot rod swaps are that combo...
$$$ some say long tube headers and a tune will increase torque and give a boost on less $$...byw I do have 3.15s now
i did the math and even 373 not out of the question. Many LS hot rod swaps are that combo...
$$$ some say long tube headers and a tune will increase torque and give a boost on less $$...byw I do have 3.15s now
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 29
Likes: 13
From: Pasadena, TX
Put the 3.42 for acceleration. Hard to get more power to the ground than the gearing. For sound and some power the exhaust, I don't know how much HP that will net depending on what else like intake etc.
I believe you will need a tune for correct shift points on the regear also, so there is more $ also.
I believe you will need a tune for correct shift points on the regear also, so there is more $ also.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,658
Likes: 683
From: Pingree Grove IL
I went from 3.15 to 3.73 like 3 years ago. If you like steep gears from the 60’s and 70’s, you will like the 3.73. You might even want a 3.90 gear. Definitely get a stall, I have a yank 3200, great reliable converter, doesn’t whine at all with steep gears. Gears turns the car into a stoplight machine. My second gear tops out at about 73-75mph with stock cam.
