3.42's
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,352
Likes: 568
From: Ventura County, Calif
Here are a couple prior discussions for your reading pleasure:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-t...-it-again.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-t...in-the-a6.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-t...-it-again.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-t...in-the-a6.html
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,563
Likes: 334
From: Indianapolis Indiana
Also, what gear & rpm are you in when you cross the finish line?
Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,762
Likes: 4
From: Chandler Arizona
Take a look at the individual gear ratios before you decide on the 3.42's, you are almost turning the 6 speed into a 5 speed because without drag radials 1st gear is worthless. Remember, the A6 is a different animal than the A4. An A4 was always considered stout if you put 3.73 gears behind it, and in third gear it was 1 to 1, so overall gear ratio in 3rd gear was 3.73. But even with the 2.56 stock rear end gears, the overall gear ratio in 3rd gear is 1.53 x 2.56 = 3.92! So the stout geared A4 is not as good as the stock A6. It is hard for people to think clearly when it comes to rearend ratios because they aren't used to the big underdrive the A6 has in 3rd gear. Heck, it's even an underdrive in 4th gear (1.15).
So most people will say that the car feels so much better in each gear when you have 3.42's. But someone in a stock A6 will be in 2nd gear when you are in 3rd gear, so you can't compare the 2 in the same gear, you need to compare the 2 at the same speed.
If you speak to people with 3.42's, most did not pick up any time in the 1/4 mile by going to them. If you want to go quicker in the 1/4 mile, then a good convertor is a much better investment.
So most people will say that the car feels so much better in each gear when you have 3.42's. But someone in a stock A6 will be in 2nd gear when you are in 3rd gear, so you can't compare the 2 in the same gear, you need to compare the 2 at the same speed.
If you speak to people with 3.42's, most did not pick up any time in the 1/4 mile by going to them. If you want to go quicker in the 1/4 mile, then a good convertor is a much better investment.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,563
Likes: 334
From: Indianapolis Indiana
I have a spread sheet I put together that compares gear ratios for all C6 Vettes. You can plug in values and see how it affects final ratios in each gear. It also provides a graph of each type of ratio.
Anyway, if anybody wants it just PM me and I will forward it on.
Don't forgot to leave your email address in the PM!!!
Anyway, if anybody wants it just PM me and I will forward it on.
Don't forgot to leave your email address in the PM!!!
Last edited by Red Sleeper; Mar 11, 2013 at 12:13 AM.
Tolero Apto Victum
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 9,669
Likes: 37
From: Woodlands TX
Here are a couple prior discussions for your reading pleasure:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-t...-it-again.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-t...in-the-a6.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-t...-it-again.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-t...in-the-a6.html
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 7,820
Likes: 411
From: Montreal
St. Jude Donor '13
Take a look at the individual gear ratios before you decide on the 3.42's, you are almost turning the 6 speed into a 5 speed because without drag radials 1st gear is worthless. Remember, the A6 is a different animal than the A4. An A4 was always considered stout if you put 3.73 gears behind it, and in third gear it was 1 to 1, so overall gear ratio in 3rd gear was 3.73. But even with the 2.56 stock rear end gears, the overall gear ratio in 3rd gear is 1.53 x 2.56 = 3.92! So the stout geared A4 is not as good as the stock A6. It is hard for people to think clearly when it comes to rearend ratios because they aren't used to the big underdrive the A6 has in 3rd gear. Heck, it's even an underdrive in 4th gear (1.15).
So most people will say that the car feels so much better in each gear when you have 3.42's. But someone in a stock A6 will be in 2nd gear when you are in 3rd gear, so you can't compare the 2 in the same gear, you need to compare the 2 at the same speed.
If you speak to people with 3.42's, most did not pick up any time in the 1/4 mile by going to them. If you want to go quicker in the 1/4 mile, then a good convertor is a much better investment.
So most people will say that the car feels so much better in each gear when you have 3.42's. But someone in a stock A6 will be in 2nd gear when you are in 3rd gear, so you can't compare the 2 in the same gear, you need to compare the 2 at the same speed.
If you speak to people with 3.42's, most did not pick up any time in the 1/4 mile by going to them. If you want to go quicker in the 1/4 mile, then a good convertor is a much better investment.
All good points in theory. Do you have 3.42's? I only had them for a short time without a supercharger and have no track time to compare, but I can tell you without any doubt that the car feels 100 times better all around with them. With the 2.56s the car just feels heavy, and at highway speeds loafs to the point that you need to constantly kickdown just to pass someone. I assure you its a great change for a stock or near stock A6.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 7,820
Likes: 411
From: Montreal
St. Jude Donor '13
I was considering a 3.42 gear when my C6 06 A6 was stock but since I added the eforce SC I figured 3.42 gears might be too steep. Now that I see you have an eforce SC and are recommending them I can't help wondering how you are maintaining traction.
Also, what gear & rpm are you in when you cross the finish line?
Thanks!
Also, what gear & rpm are you in when you cross the finish line?
Thanks!
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,106
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
I cross the stripe around 6600 in 3rd with a 2.56 gear. Squeezing 10's at 124-126 mph with a bolt-on LS3.
One of my racing buddies has a cammed LS2 and runs a tenth quicker. He said he gained a tenth when he swapped to a 3.42 and now is peaked out in 4th.
Swapping to a 3.42 has limited advantages for measurable performance gains, but quite a few disadvantages. Gas mileage, more frequent maintenance, and drivetrain wear, to name a few.
One of my racing buddies has a cammed LS2 and runs a tenth quicker. He said he gained a tenth when he swapped to a 3.42 and now is peaked out in 4th.
Swapping to a 3.42 has limited advantages for measurable performance gains, but quite a few disadvantages. Gas mileage, more frequent maintenance, and drivetrain wear, to name a few.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 7,820
Likes: 411
From: Montreal
St. Jude Donor '13
I cross the stripe around 6600 in 3rd with a 2.56 gear. Squeezing 10's at 124-126 mph with a bolt-on LS3.
One of my racing buddies has a cammed LS2 and runs a tenth quicker. He said he gained a tenth when he swapped to a 3.42 and now is peaked out in 4th.
Swapping to a 3.42 has limited advantages for measurable performance gains, but quite a few disadvantages. Gas mileage, more frequent maintenance, and drivetrain wear, to name a few.
One of my racing buddies has a cammed LS2 and runs a tenth quicker. He said he gained a tenth when he swapped to a 3.42 and now is peaked out in 4th.
Swapping to a 3.42 has limited advantages for measurable performance gains, but quite a few disadvantages. Gas mileage, more frequent maintenance, and drivetrain wear, to name a few.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 7,820
Likes: 411
From: Montreal
St. Jude Donor '13
I cross the stripe around 6600 in 3rd with a 2.56 gear. Squeezing 10's at 124-126 mph with a bolt-on LS3.
One of my racing buddies has a cammed LS2 and runs a tenth quicker. He said he gained a tenth when he swapped to a 3.42 and now is peaked out in 4th.
Swapping to a 3.42 has limited advantages for measurable performance gains, but quite a few disadvantages. Gas mileage, more frequent maintenance, and drivetrain wear, to name a few.
One of my racing buddies has a cammed LS2 and runs a tenth quicker. He said he gained a tenth when he swapped to a 3.42 and now is peaked out in 4th.
Swapping to a 3.42 has limited advantages for measurable performance gains, but quite a few disadvantages. Gas mileage, more frequent maintenance, and drivetrain wear, to name a few.
Sorry to get off topic in the thread.... to the OP, do it, you wont regret it.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 104
Likes: 12
From: Corpus Christi TX
More frequent maintenance and drivetrain wear, I wouldn't lose sleep over those 'issues'...
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,520
Likes: 880
2024 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (track prepared)
2019 C6 of Year Winner (track prepared)
As I said, I dont know the performance difference in the quarter mile. On a street car with no blower I would do that mod in a heartbeat. The car drives so much better. I dont know where you got the frequent maintance part but whatever. As far as gas mileage... for me.... that ship sailed long ago.
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 399
Likes: 3
From: jacksonville fla
Excluding NOS a good converter on an A4 or A6 is the best bang for the buck hands down.
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,479
Likes: 42
From: Dallas / Ft. Worth The Republic of TEXAS
And I would question whether or not there is any gain with a good TC - most people say no and that has been my experience.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,520
Likes: 880
2024 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (track prepared)
2019 C6 of Year Winner (track prepared)
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,106
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
You got me really curious as I havent looked in a long time. I can't believe the 3.42s dont help track times considering my car is still the fastest A6 LS2 car on any of the current lists. There are a few LS3 cars quicker but they have cams and converters, which I don't.
Sorry to get off topic in the thread.... to the OP, do it, you wont regret it.
Sorry to get off topic in the thread.... to the OP, do it, you wont regret it.
Regarding A6 comparisons: Take another look in the LS2 and LS3 bolton lists, since the OP is headed down the bolton path. The quickest three LS2 A6 cars have 2.56, 3.42, and 2.56 gears in that order. The respective LS3 cars have a 2.56, a 2.73 and a 3.15. They all have a converter.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 7,820
Likes: 411
From: Montreal
St. Jude Donor '13
I wouldn't even think about comparing an A6 blower car to any NA car, regardless of the gearset. Assuming the OP never hits the track, the only thing that matters is perception. If he's willing to pay for how it feels, then gears are OK. For measurable gains, a converter is the best/$.
Regarding A6 comparisons: Take another look in the LS2 and LS3 bolton lists, since the OP is headed down the bolton path. The quickest three LS2 A6 cars have 2.56, 3.42, and 2.56 gears in that order. The respective LS3 cars have a 2.56, a 2.73 and a 3.15. They all have a converter.
Regarding A6 comparisons: Take another look in the LS2 and LS3 bolton lists, since the OP is headed down the bolton path. The quickest three LS2 A6 cars have 2.56, 3.42, and 2.56 gears in that order. The respective LS3 cars have a 2.56, a 2.73 and a 3.15. They all have a converter.
Firstly, I am not comparing blower to N/A cars. Actually, if the op had a blower I would probably say to spend the money elsewhere for sure.
Assuming the op never hits the track, and the car is stock or near stock, then I think you have it totally opposite. The gears will make the car feel better, more fun to drive and probably effect reliability less than a converter might. I had the gears before then blower, with the car otherwise near stock, and I honestly couldnt believe I didnt do it earlier. So much more enjoyable at every level on the street, from launch to highway.
Also notice that a very high percent of cars near the top of the fast lists (blower or N/A) have gear changes of some level.