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gear swaps
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 349
Likes: 1
From: Smith Tenn
gear swaps
i read a lot about gear swaps making for big improvements in acceleration. i have the 3.15 or is it 3.51 performance gears and wonder if there is any point in making a change and what that might do to highway mileage? hope i am asking in the right forum. 
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 38,314
Likes: 35
If its an automatic, and has it's original gears, then it is either 2.73:1 or 3.15:1.
If you are looking for improved acceleration then a gear swap may be in order.
The trade off of course is a slight decrease in your gas mileage.
If you are looking for improved acceleration then a gear swap may be in order.
The trade off of course is a slight decrease in your gas mileage.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,855
Likes: 0
Since I'm sure gas mileage is not a major concern or you would have gotten a VW you will love 342 gears on your car its like adding 50+rwhp and the gas thing is minor---I've always thought gears were the best bang for the buck
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,073
Likes: 0
From: Loveland CO
Going from 3:42 to 4:10 in my 6 speed I lost about 2 mpg in the city and it didn't change a whole lot on the highway. I didn't gain anything at the track from the gears. I am hoping it is just the air right now. Kaley
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,073
Likes: 0
From: Loveland CO
Originally Posted by Fastbasser
How could you NOT drop your 
et goin to 4.10s?? I would bet you could cut of 3 or 4 tenths!!
et goin to 4.10s?? I would bet you could cut of 3 or 4 tenths!!
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 17,901
Likes: 18
From: Elko, Nevada
You wouldn't notice as much change is mpg and SOTP going
from 3.15's to 3.42's. I'd say 3.73's minimum or 3.90's. A good
many people though intall a torque converter which will really
wake the car up. Gears and a TC when combined make a great
1-2 punch as a mod. It also helps to install them both at the
same time as the rear of the car will be all apart anyway for
the gear change.
I went from 2.73's to 3.42's and a TC, plus TransGo shift-kit
and it's not close to being the same car it was prior. Fun factor
for sure, but it can add up in dollars and cents quick too.
from 3.15's to 3.42's. I'd say 3.73's minimum or 3.90's. A good
many people though intall a torque converter which will really
wake the car up. Gears and a TC when combined make a great
1-2 punch as a mod. It also helps to install them both at the
same time as the rear of the car will be all apart anyway for
the gear change.
I went from 2.73's to 3.42's and a TC, plus TransGo shift-kit
and it's not close to being the same car it was prior. Fun factor
for sure, but it can add up in dollars and cents quick too.
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