Another A4 gear swap question
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Instructor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 159
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From: Houston Texas
Another A4 gear swap question
I know that this has already been discussed but the search function doesn't seem to work right now. I have an 02 A4 and am looking for an extra kick. I would like to know what procedures need to be done for a gear swap. What ratio is recommended, do I need to change the entire diff, what type of programming is necessary, driveability issues, and will it cause the life of my tranny to shorten. Also I tune the car with HPIII. I know that on some of the older systems you could only go up to a 3.15. Any advise?
Team Owner
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From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
Pro
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: mechanicsville maryland
Trueblue as far as the rear goes I would go bigger than a 3.15. I would say al least 3.73 gears but I'm running 3.90 rear now. As far as hp3 goes I'm not sure but you could always get ls1 edit and do it. The bad thing about the ls1 motor is low TQ thats why you need a big gear. Also BOATBOATBOAT I wouldn't go with a 2800 stall your going to want more. I would go with a SS3600 stall which only weighs 29lbs vs stock 55lbs. Once again higher str means it feels like the car has more TQ. Also FYI at 60 mph I'm seeing 2k rpms which I think is fine. Hope this helps.
Uber Waxer
Joined: May 2004
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From: Hanover MD
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St. Jude Donor '08-'10
Originally Posted by sams96
Trueblue as far as the rear goes I would go bigger than a 3.15. I would say al least 3.73 gears but I'm running 3.90 rear now. As far as hp3 goes I'm not sure but you could always get ls1 edit and do it. The bad thing about the ls1 motor is low TQ thats why you need a big gear. Also BOATBOATBOAT I wouldn't go with a 2800 stall your going to want more. I would go with a SS3600 stall which only weighs 29lbs vs stock 55lbs. Once again higher str means it feels like the car has more TQ. Also FYI at 60 mph I'm seeing 2k rpms which I think is fine. Hope this helps.
sams, were you at mir with phil this past weekend. your story sounds like the exact same thing i was told this weekend.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,266
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From: Kennesaw Ga
3.73 & Yank SS-3600 for me & Luvin it. After that, get you a dyno tune & feel the difference. Sometimes I wish I had a 3.90 in it. Anything lower than 3.73 is a waste of good money.... on an A4. 
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