Going for the 3.42s
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,137
Likes: 1
From: Insane Diego Kalifonya Baby
Going for the 3.42s
Well it looks like I'll be doing the upgrade from the 2.73s to the 3.42s in my 2004 A4 the first part of Dec.
Anybody out there thats done this let me know of any problems that you have had (IF ANY)
Anybody out there thats done this let me know of any problems that you have had (IF ANY)
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,753
Likes: 2
From: Fresno CA
Iam installing a used 3.42 center section sometime next week.Best bang for the buck is to find a low milaege 3.42 pumpkin from a M6 car, they go for $450-$600 plus shipping on the forums or just over $1k from a forum vendor new plus install.
Matt
Matt
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 38,314
Likes: 35
You won't look back VLVette. Bar none the best bang for the buck modification there is for the 2.73 geared C5. The car will perform like a Vette was meant to perform and the first thing you'll say is " this should have been an option".
If you are not doing a torque converter too, it is a piece of cake for a good installer. Its really just a matter of removing the one diferential from the rear of the transmission and replacing it with another. Simple enough, but I would have a professional do it. Be sure to have the PCM reprogrammed for proper gear scaling.
Keep us informed and congrats on the upgrade.
If you are not doing a torque converter too, it is a piece of cake for a good installer. Its really just a matter of removing the one diferential from the rear of the transmission and replacing it with another. Simple enough, but I would have a professional do it. Be sure to have the PCM reprogrammed for proper gear scaling.
Keep us informed and congrats on the upgrade.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,753
Likes: 2
From: Fresno CA
VLVette, if you want to take a little ride to Fresno your welcome to come hang out during the install, Iam a Tech, still do some work out of my garage on friends cars. You can take a before and after drive in my car.Probably install next weekend.
Matt
Matt
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Livingston NJ
The 3.42's will give you an overall performance improvement, but won't turn you vette in a real screamer. It is a good mod that retains the overall good driveability of your car. General acceleration is smoother because the gears move the car easier and highway passing doesn't require a kickdown into 3rd gear unless you want to move out smartly. I might suggest you consider putting in a 160 degree thermostat at the same time so that when you reprogram the computer it can be done at one time. The 160 keeps the car much cooler, mine occasionally would go int the 220's before the change.
I lost 2-3 mpg with the rear change on the highway, but think I got some of that back with my recent Vararam installation.
Good luck you'll enjoy it.
I lost 2-3 mpg with the rear change on the highway, but think I got some of that back with my recent Vararam installation.
Good luck you'll enjoy it.
