I presently have a 1998 A4 2.73 rear. Is there a big performance difference between the 3.15 and 3.42 gears? Can I spin the tires with 3.15 gears? The only reason I might go with 3.15 vs 3.42 is because I can change the present speedometer calibration with a hypertech programmer to accomadate an upgrade to 3.15 gears. If I selected 3.42 gears I would have to find a tuner to calibrate my speedometer. Please give me some advice. Thank You

 

The speedo isn't the problem it's the rev limiter and shift points that you would need to change. I can't decide if I want to use my 3.42s i just bought or 3.73s. I also have a 98 with 2.73, since I put the blackwing on I can fry the tires. If I go with the 3.73 I will need to sell the 3.42s

 

i just got 3:42's, from 2:73's on a 98 A4, i havent gotten a chance to really run it yet, it started snowing on my way home from the shop.......and it just barely quit, either tommorow or the next day im running it to see the difference, so far i have this:

Blackwing
Magnaflow xhaust w/x pipe
3:42 gears
2800 stall Tq converter
190 (i think) thermostat
and LS1 edit


but havent gotten a chance to play with it
ill let u know..i say go 3:42's

 

jcharity. about the only benefit in going from the 2.73 to 3.15 is that a Chevy dealer can actually do the reprogram with their in-house GM Tech Tool 2.

And even then - most dealers won't even touch that type of modification on a Corvette. If you are having the work done at a speed shop, then by all means go to the 3.42 since you can't escape a reprogram when starting with the 2.73

 

As long as you are dropping the rear, consider a higher stall speed converter-say around 3000+ rpm and consider perhaps a 3.73 or 3.90 rear.
Will really liven up the performance and if you get a blower later you'll be all set!
Roy

 

:iagree: :thumbs:

 

I also have a 98 Vette that came with 3.15 gears and it would not spin the tires when I first got my car. Get at least 3.42 gears, I strongly suggest you also install a high stall torque converter at the same time you are doing your gears. Because you will have to pay the same labor charge twice if you do them separately. Get at least a 3000 stall converter, you will not believe the tremendous difference in performance a T/C and gears will make in your cars performance. If you take a step up to the SS3600 and 3.42s you will be able to spin your tires from a 20 to 30 MPH roll.





[Modified by Mitch C, 1:23 AM 3/1/2004]

 

I went from 2.73's to 3.42's on my new 04. I highly recommend them. I bought the GM replacement 3.42's for the manual cars. For me it is the perfect gear. About 2100rpm's at 70mph.

AZC5

 

:iagree:
Hi and welcome :cheers:
I ordered the 315 on mine and its not enough.
From what I have been reading here go with ahigher TQ at the same time.
Good luck :seeya
:flag

 

I would go with a 3:42 or 3:73.

Mark

 

:iagree: Plus the TC

 

I started out with a 3.15 rear gear and have moved up to a 3.42. I'd say go with the 3.42 or higher (depending on your goals and driving style). As mentioned before look into getting a TQ converter.

 

I would go with the 3:42's. You will probably get bored with the 3:15's after a while and want to upgrade. Might as well do it now. Kaley

 

Really depends on what you're going to do with your car. 342s here, great for weekend or daily driving. If you're into drag racing, that's a different hobby, lower gears + the TC. I'm not on the TC band wagon. Happy with everthing in my sig w/o the TC. Best,

mtv


[Modified by Mviola, 1:34 PM 3/1/2004]

 

I'm facing the same type of problem too but I'm trying to decide between 3.42s & 3.73s. My vette is mostly a highway driver & only sees the track as a spectator. Any thoughts either way would be appreciated.

 

I've got the 3:15's and given the opportunity I would make the jump to 3:73's in a minute.

 

I would definitely recommend going with the 3.42! I originally had 2.73s, then a 3.15 but it wasn't enough so I added a brand new Z06 3.42 and now I am happy. The only advantage I saw with the 3.15 is that I only had to pay the dealership $35 for a factory GM pcm flash.

A lot of people on this forum will say you should add a 3.73 but you have to remember that some of these guys do not drive their cars on a day to day basis. I do a lot of highway driving and the 3.42s are great. Sometimes I wish my car turned less rpm on the highway but 3.42s are a good compromise since the 3.42 really helps with low-end acceleration compared to the 3.15. There's no way I will ever go to a 3.73.

Also, regarding a TC, I wouldn't add one to your car unless you are prepared for the possibility of transmission issues. The stock tranny isn't built for the extra heat, regardless of whether you add a cooler or not. In no way am I saying anything bad in reference to forum members. I just wish they would tell the whole story when recommending parts. I have read too many stories about guys needing new trannys after adding torque converters. Maybe if you baby the car like crazy you will be fine. But let's be honest, that would sort of defeat the purpose of making the car go faster.

Hope this helps.

-Adam

 

I ordered my car with 3:15's, I'm "ok" with them for now but long for more gear. Every time I driver her I remember my 4:10 geared GTO. For me, very soon it will be 3:73's :cheers:

 

have dumped their run-flat rear tires due to traction issues.

 

How much more difficult is it to get traction w/3.73s w/non-runflats?