Rear end ratio... The plot thickens!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 0
From: Norwich NY
Rear end ratio... The plot thickens!
Well, I am getting what appears to a "lesson" in regards to my gear ratio.. From what I have learned, a 3.42 ratio will be next to impossible to find for my automatic Vette.
Why cant my 2.73 ring and pinion be removed and a set of 3.42 or 3.73 gears be installed??
Only other viable option is to settle for the 3.15..
Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!
Vinnie
[Modified by Fastbasser, 1:11 AM 10/2/2003]
Why cant my 2.73 ring and pinion be removed and a set of 3.42 or 3.73 gears be installed??
Only other viable option is to settle for the 3.15..
Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!
Vinnie
[Modified by Fastbasser, 1:11 AM 10/2/2003]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,855
Likes: 0
Re: Rear end ratio... The plot thickens! (Fastbasser)
When you buy a rearend they don't typically accept the 2.73 in exchange as it is a less durable case etc (at least what I'm told) I have never had the a4 and didn't know there was any diff in hooking up a rear end, I would think with all the guys going to 390s and 410s there would be an abundance of 342s around unless they have all been converted, I am surprised to hear that you may have trouble finding one.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,763
Likes: 24
From: Austin TX
Re: Rear end ratio... The plot thickens! (NEPTUNEBILL)
You can send your 2.73 housing to be rebuilt at DTE in Indiana, they have a spacer which allows them to use the Motive gears on the 2-series carrier.
Eric
Eric
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Foothill Ranch CA
Re: Rear end ratio... The plot thickens! (Fastbasser)
I just switched from 2.73 to 3.42. Big difference. You'll really like it. Try West Coast Corvette or Corvette Mike, they both offer these regularly, new for about $1,000.00 or rebuilt for about $800.00. As someone else said, with so many guys going lower and with a 3.42 standard on all 6 speeds, you should be able to find one. I found one in about a week, with minimal effort. And you can always try your local chevy dealer. Good luck. :chevy
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,188
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From: New Blue 9.80 @ 142MPH stock motor
St. Jude Donor '03-'06-'07-'08
Re: Rear end ratio... The plot thickens! (Fastbasser)
I bet chris at East Coast could get you where you need to be and he is not that far away.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 38,314
Likes: 35
Re: Rear end ratio... The plot thickens! (Fastbasser)
Not sure but I think I read somewhere that the carrier is smaller. Thus from what I have seen most people going from 2.73s to 3.42s (or even 3.15s which is rare here) wind up buying the entire differential.
They are not hard to find, but they ain't cheap. They can be found at West coast vettes and even GM parts direct. A brand new differential will cost you over $900.00 from most of the major vendors. And then there is the installation. Many do a torque converter at the same time too.
The option of altering your carrier to accept the 3.42 ring and pinion is one that I have heard of but have seen little written about it here. Wouldn't know about durability and how it would stack up against the original GM (Getrag) part
[Modified by EB20003, 2:08 AM 10/2/2003]
They are not hard to find, but they ain't cheap. They can be found at West coast vettes and even GM parts direct. A brand new differential will cost you over $900.00 from most of the major vendors. And then there is the installation. Many do a torque converter at the same time too.
The option of altering your carrier to accept the 3.42 ring and pinion is one that I have heard of but have seen little written about it here. Wouldn't know about durability and how it would stack up against the original GM (Getrag) part
[Modified by EB20003, 2:08 AM 10/2/2003]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 789
Likes: 0
From: BF Egypt Tx
Re: Rear end ratio... The plot thickens! (Fastbasser)
Well, when I bought my 3:73 rear transaxle from 21 MC, the 3:15 rear I had was required as a core in exchange. They had the best price I have found so far on the forum, due to a special they were running.(Still might be...give 'em a call, to see what they can do for you.)
Anyway the set up was tight and quiet...and the performance will bring a smile to your face, each time you drive it!:thumbs:
You're probably not going to find any interest in the 2:73, which is at the bottom of the totem pole, when it comes to desirable rearend gearing. :(
Best to plan on buying a complete 3:42 trans axle, which can be had for around $900 or so, as mentioned above. Don't forget to alter your speedo calibration! :yesnod:
JUST DO IT! :cheers:
Anyway the set up was tight and quiet...and the performance will bring a smile to your face, each time you drive it!:thumbs:
You're probably not going to find any interest in the 2:73, which is at the bottom of the totem pole, when it comes to desirable rearend gearing. :(
Best to plan on buying a complete 3:42 trans axle, which can be had for around $900 or so, as mentioned above. Don't forget to alter your speedo calibration! :yesnod:
JUST DO IT! :cheers:
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Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
Likes: 180
From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
Re: Rear end ratio... The plot thickens! (NIGHTMARE...2001)
From what I have learned, a 3.42 ratio will be next to impossible to find for my automatic Vette.
Collections Hold
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,899
Likes: 6
From: Fort Wayne Indiana
Re: Rear end ratio... The plot thickens! (Mike Mercury)
Fastbasser-
We commonly build the 2-series differentials for many of our customer's who have put them behind high HP vehicle's running on the drag strip w/ very good success and durability. We also cryo treat every 2-series differential we build and to our knowledge, we are the ONLY builder that is offering that as standard practice w/ 2-series diffs.
We would be glad to provide you the upgrade you desire using your differential if you choose. You may find other differentials for super cheap prices elsewhere, but you will only find the best built units here and our prices are very competitive, even at the regular rate, especially for the level of differential performance/durability we provide.
HTH's and have a good day! :)
Regards,
DTE
We commonly build the 2-series differentials for many of our customer's who have put them behind high HP vehicle's running on the drag strip w/ very good success and durability. We also cryo treat every 2-series differential we build and to our knowledge, we are the ONLY builder that is offering that as standard practice w/ 2-series diffs.
We would be glad to provide you the upgrade you desire using your differential if you choose. You may find other differentials for super cheap prices elsewhere, but you will only find the best built units here and our prices are very competitive, even at the regular rate, especially for the level of differential performance/durability we provide.
HTH's and have a good day! :)
Regards,
DTE
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 789
Likes: 0
From: BF Egypt Tx
Re: Rear end ratio... The plot thickens! (Mike Mercury)
From what I have learned, a 3.42 ratio will be next to impossible to find for my automatic Vette.
I don't understand this???? You can get one tomorrow. Please elaborate...
I don't understand this???? You can get one tomorrow. Please elaborate...
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 0
From: Norwich NY
Re: Rear end ratio... The plot thickens! (NIGHTMARE...2001)
First, if I am missing something, please understand I am new to Vettes....
I have been told a couple of things;
1) auto Vettes are only available in 2.73s and 3.15 ratio.
2) Auto and manual rears are not the same and cant be swapped.
Unless I can locate a auto rear that has already been switched over, I will have to buy a 3.15 rear and use that OR pay to have that one changed to a 3.42. (Pay twice)
If I have misunderstood what I have been told, it's an honest mistake..
Thanks to all that have taken the time to respond.
Vinnie
vvjones@optonline.net
I have been told a couple of things;
1) auto Vettes are only available in 2.73s and 3.15 ratio.
2) Auto and manual rears are not the same and cant be swapped.
Unless I can locate a auto rear that has already been switched over, I will have to buy a 3.15 rear and use that OR pay to have that one changed to a 3.42. (Pay twice)
If I have misunderstood what I have been told, it's an honest mistake..
Thanks to all that have taken the time to respond.
Vinnie
vvjones@optonline.net
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 789
Likes: 0
From: BF Egypt Tx
Re: Rear end ratio... The plot thickens! (Fastbasser)
Hi Fastbasser. Forget about what anyone has told you regarding 2:73 & 3:15 gears only being available! They're only talking about from Chevy dealer. You have many more options than just that!
What DTE(a very reputable company), is trying to communicate to you, is that they have a way to take the very 2 series rearend that you now own, and put the gears you desire in it for you at their shop.
This is a good thing! They could then send it back to you, and you could then have it reinstalled by someone who operates in the area where you live, if DTE is not near you. I hear that DTE is very good at what they do. They had a transaxle gear change special on here not too long ago. A lot of happy customers too, I hear. 21MC can do this for you as well!:)
What's not to understand here? GO FOR IT! :yesnod: :cheers:
[Modified by NIGHTMARE...2001, 7:31 AM 10/2/2003]
What DTE(a very reputable company), is trying to communicate to you, is that they have a way to take the very 2 series rearend that you now own, and put the gears you desire in it for you at their shop.
This is a good thing! They could then send it back to you, and you could then have it reinstalled by someone who operates in the area where you live, if DTE is not near you. I hear that DTE is very good at what they do. They had a transaxle gear change special on here not too long ago. A lot of happy customers too, I hear. 21MC can do this for you as well!:)
What's not to understand here? GO FOR IT! :yesnod: :cheers:
[Modified by NIGHTMARE...2001, 7:31 AM 10/2/2003]
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,154
Likes: 1
From: Murphy TX
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Rear end ratio... The plot thickens! (Fastbasser)
1) auto Vettes are only available in 2.73s and 3.15 ratio.
In addition to the diff itself, the only PCM calibrations available from the factory are for 2.73 and 3.15 gears. Again, the aftermarket can fix you right up but don't forget to factor in that cost.
2) Auto and manual rears are not the same and cant be swapped.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 4,043
Likes: 342
From: Central NJ
Re: Rear end ratio... The plot thickens! (DynoTech Engineering)
Dyno-Tech,
What type of testing did you do on the series 2 carrier? I do know that the casing for the series 2 is weaker than the series 3. Can the series 2 with your spacer be able to handle a heads/cam car/automatic with 450hp++ IF we were to simply buy the spacer and do th install ourselves?? I ask because you mention that you cryo treat them...What is that and what will happen if it's not done by you????
What type of testing did you do on the series 2 carrier? I do know that the casing for the series 2 is weaker than the series 3. Can the series 2 with your spacer be able to handle a heads/cam car/automatic with 450hp++ IF we were to simply buy the spacer and do th install ourselves?? I ask because you mention that you cryo treat them...What is that and what will happen if it's not done by you????
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
Likes: 180
From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
Re: Rear end ratio... The plot thickens! (tabbruzz)
2) Auto and manual rears are not the same and cant be swapped
Since you're new here, let me offer some advice. Completely forget what your friends, local mechanic, and Chevy dealer have told you about the C5. Come here and ask questions... because there are many that have the factual information; and don't need to guess.
Call Shawn at L.A.P.D. (or any of the forum vendors) and you'll have a 3.42 or 3.73 carrier for your A4 on your doorstep the very next day. There's no need to delay this mod any longer. :steering:
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 4,043
Likes: 342
From: Central NJ
Re: Rear end ratio... The plot thickens! (Fastbasser)
First, if I am missing something, please understand I am new to Vettes....
I have been told a couple of things;
1) auto Vettes are only available in 2.73s and 3.15 ratio.
2) Auto and manual rears are not the same and cant be swapped.
Unless I can locate a auto rear that has already been switched over, I will have to buy a 3.15 rear and use that OR pay to have that one changed to a 3.42. (Pay twice)
If I have misunderstood what I have been told, it's an honest mistake..
Thanks to all that have taken the time to respond.
Vinnie
vvjones@optonline.net
I have been told a couple of things;
1) auto Vettes are only available in 2.73s and 3.15 ratio.
2) Auto and manual rears are not the same and cant be swapped.
Unless I can locate a auto rear that has already been switched over, I will have to buy a 3.15 rear and use that OR pay to have that one changed to a 3.42. (Pay twice)
If I have misunderstood what I have been told, it's an honest mistake..
Thanks to all that have taken the time to respond.
Vinnie
vvjones@optonline.net
Collections Hold
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,899
Likes: 6
From: Fort Wayne Indiana
Re: Rear end ratio... The plot thickens! (tabbruzz)
Tony-
The testing we initially did was on a local dragstip w/ a '98 coupe that belonged to a local gentleman who also drove the vehicle daily in his commute to work.
Many have claimed the 2-series weakness issue, but we have proven otherwise and we do not wish to engage in debate again as to reasons why. That has already been covered here many times before. :)
I can't answer your question of "if you can perform the modifications yourself, to a 2-series diff. to make them durable", since I don't know your level of understanding of these units, nor do I know your mechanical abilities.
Cryogenic treatment of the metal components makes them much stronger w/out tempering them, which just makes them brittle.
We do not wish to get into "how" we build them, as those method's are proprietary, so we'll just let our product's speak for themselves. :)
Thanks for the input! :seeya
Regards,
DTE
[Modified by DynoTech Engineering, 9:11 AM 10/2/2003]
The testing we initially did was on a local dragstip w/ a '98 coupe that belonged to a local gentleman who also drove the vehicle daily in his commute to work.
Many have claimed the 2-series weakness issue, but we have proven otherwise and we do not wish to engage in debate again as to reasons why. That has already been covered here many times before. :)
I can't answer your question of "if you can perform the modifications yourself, to a 2-series diff. to make them durable", since I don't know your level of understanding of these units, nor do I know your mechanical abilities.
Cryogenic treatment of the metal components makes them much stronger w/out tempering them, which just makes them brittle.
We do not wish to get into "how" we build them, as those method's are proprietary, so we'll just let our product's speak for themselves. :)
Thanks for the input! :seeya
Regards,
DTE
[Modified by DynoTech Engineering, 9:11 AM 10/2/2003]