What's the perfect gear ratio
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 5,187
Likes: 1,216
From: Las Vegas Nevada
I guess the first question is why do you never use 6th....do you never leave town? Next, what is the current ratio? Then, do you plan to keep the care forever? If not, potential buyers may not want your new gears. Are you tracking it?
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 200
From: Bay Area Ca.
I have 4:10 and love the change. Been going on 7 years or so with it. 2008.
Much more fun to drive and 6th becomes usable at higher freeway speeds.
Fuel well be consumed faster of course. Figure 3 mpg if you do 70-75 mph.
Tacking 1800 rpm vs 1500 RPM at 70 mph. 100 mph still is only around 2300 rpm. Maybe a tad less, just a guess it has been awhile.
as is what is the ideal ratio, couldn't tell you. Might depend on what your needs are meaning strip or track work. For the street only I am perfectly happy with the 4:10's.
If you are fuel conscious stay with the 3:42's but I think a car with this much power getting over 25 mpg at 10-15 over the limit is fantastic.
Much more fun to drive and 6th becomes usable at higher freeway speeds.
Fuel well be consumed faster of course. Figure 3 mpg if you do 70-75 mph.
Tacking 1800 rpm vs 1500 RPM at 70 mph. 100 mph still is only around 2300 rpm. Maybe a tad less, just a guess it has been awhile.
as is what is the ideal ratio, couldn't tell you. Might depend on what your needs are meaning strip or track work. For the street only I am perfectly happy with the 4:10's.
If you are fuel conscious stay with the 3:42's but I think a car with this much power getting over 25 mpg at 10-15 over the limit is fantastic.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 719
Likes: 50
From: Burbank California
I have 4:10 and love the change. Been going on 7 years or so with it. 2008.
Much more fun to drive and 6th becomes usable at higher freeway speeds.
Fuel well be consumed faster of course. Figure 3 mpg if you do 70-75 mph.
Tacking 1800 rpm vs 1500 RPM at 70 mph. 100 mph still is only around 2300 rpm. Maybe a tad less, just a guess it has been awhile.
as is what is the ideal ratio, couldn't tell you. Might depend on what your needs are meaning strip or track work. For the street only I am perfectly happy with the 4:10's.
If you are fuel conscious stay with the 3:42's but I think a car with this much power getting over 25 mpg at 10-15 over the limit is fantastic.
Much more fun to drive and 6th becomes usable at higher freeway speeds.
Fuel well be consumed faster of course. Figure 3 mpg if you do 70-75 mph.
Tacking 1800 rpm vs 1500 RPM at 70 mph. 100 mph still is only around 2300 rpm. Maybe a tad less, just a guess it has been awhile.
as is what is the ideal ratio, couldn't tell you. Might depend on what your needs are meaning strip or track work. For the street only I am perfectly happy with the 4:10's.
If you are fuel conscious stay with the 3:42's but I think a car with this much power getting over 25 mpg at 10-15 over the limit is fantastic.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 200
From: Bay Area Ca.
Well the 4:10 well give the the best quickness off the line. And is completely friendly otherwise. Car will still do 160 mph with this gear. Like most of us go this fast. This car is just geared for fuel mileage with tis 189 top speed. Like who needs this much top end. Just no fun driving 6 speed while keeping under speed limits. The gear change makes it more fun with more ***** and added torque.
I went with DTE and forum vender for a complete rebuilt diff. Cold treated ring and pinion and upgraded carbon clutch packs. I got the street design. $2400 installed 7 yrs ago.
I went with DTE and forum vender for a complete rebuilt diff. Cold treated ring and pinion and upgraded carbon clutch packs. I got the street design. $2400 installed 7 yrs ago.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 719
Likes: 50
From: Burbank California
Well the 4:10 well give the the best quickness off the line. And is completely friendly otherwise. Car will still do 160 mph with this gear. Like most of us go this fast. This car is just geared for fuel mileage with tis 189 top speed. Like who needs this much top end. Just no fun driving 6 speed while keeping under speed limits. The gear change makes it more fun with more ***** and added torque.
I went with DTE and forum vender for a complete rebuilt diff. Cold treated ring and pinion and upgraded carbon clutch packs. I got the street design. $2400 installed 7 yrs ago.
I went with DTE and forum vender for a complete rebuilt diff. Cold treated ring and pinion and upgraded carbon clutch packs. I got the street design. $2400 installed 7 yrs ago.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,537
Likes: 1,404
From: Bethesda MD
4.10s with the base gear box is a good combo. It will feel like a new car.
Good tires should be next on your list. For in-town driving, having tires that will hold 1st and 2nd gear makes a huge difference.
Good tires should be next on your list. For in-town driving, having tires that will hold 1st and 2nd gear makes a huge difference.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 478
Likes: 66
From: Elizabethtown, NC
I am simply going by what you stated above. What is it exactly that you want? You sound like you would like to take your stock 2006 manual 6 speed and add 410 ratio gears to your rear end. Well if that is your first performance upgrade it is going to be very very expensive. There are many alternatives to make your car performance oriented for much less money. If you are not going to dedicate your car to drag racing or off road racing, then 410 rear gear ratio should be toward the later part of your performance added mods. Don't get me wrong as I have 410 gears in mine.
Last edited by dentalfloss; Aug 1, 2015 at 05:00 PM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,418
Likes: 267
From: Pontiac Quebec
For that kind of money get a few mods. many top guys on the fast list are still using the 3.42.
I'm kinda new to the dragway myself but achieved a nice 1.59 60ft even with the 3.42.
I was thinking about doing it as well but here was why I didn't
-guys still getting 1.4x 60ft times at the track
-I absolutely love pulling 62-64mph in first
-when I'm not at the track and driving "normal" i don't have to shift often.
-when i do get out on the long roads, nothing (in my opinion) beats 6th cruising at 75mph and the engine is purring at 1600-1800rpm getting outstanding fuel mileage
what I'm trying to say is, if you want more go, add power to get it, and still benefit from a great gear. the 6 speed accommodates it very well. Of course I can't tell you what to do or not to do and it is of course your car/choice
still using 3.42.....I'm still a rookie driver but 3.42 works with power
I'm kinda new to the dragway myself but achieved a nice 1.59 60ft even with the 3.42.
I was thinking about doing it as well but here was why I didn't
-guys still getting 1.4x 60ft times at the track
-I absolutely love pulling 62-64mph in first
-when I'm not at the track and driving "normal" i don't have to shift often.
-when i do get out on the long roads, nothing (in my opinion) beats 6th cruising at 75mph and the engine is purring at 1600-1800rpm getting outstanding fuel mileage
what I'm trying to say is, if you want more go, add power to get it, and still benefit from a great gear. the 6 speed accommodates it very well. Of course I can't tell you what to do or not to do and it is of course your car/choice
still using 3.42.....I'm still a rookie driver but 3.42 works with power
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 200
From: Bay Area Ca.
Guys 4:10's are easily controlled with regards to tire spinning. I have the Bridgestone SO-4 Max Summer tire on. Tire wear I think is 280. While a great all around performing tire it is by no means the stickest. I no issues of problamatic wheel spinning.
Now coming out of a turn and flooring it yes the car will go sideways especially if middle rpm band and up. But not under say 2500 rpm's.
If your driving this car on the streets and flooring it all the time your and idiot, it is just to fast especially if going through a couple of gears.
But the fun of driving with the hear change is why I like it. Just more torque feeling.
While may not cheap it is my favorite mod amd I have had all the bolt ons.
Also the smog police can not get you.
Now coming out of a turn and flooring it yes the car will go sideways especially if middle rpm band and up. But not under say 2500 rpm's.
If your driving this car on the streets and flooring it all the time your and idiot, it is just to fast especially if going through a couple of gears.
But the fun of driving with the hear change is why I like it. Just more torque feeling.
While may not cheap it is my favorite mod amd I have had all the bolt ons.
Also the smog police can not get you.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,418
Likes: 267
From: Pontiac Quebec
Guys 4:10's are easily controlled with regards to tire spinning. I have the Bridgestone SO-4 Max Summer tire on. Tire wear I think is 280. While a great all around performing tire it is by no means the stickest. I no issues of problamatic wheel spinning.
Now coming out of a turn and flooring it yes the car will go sideways especially if middle rpm band and up. But not under say 2500 rpm's.
If your driving this car on the streets and flooring it all the time your and idiot, it is just to fast especially if going through a couple of gears.
But the fun of driving with the hear change is why I like it. Just more torque feeling.
While may not cheap it is my favorite mod amd I have had all the bolt ons.
Also the smog police can not get you.
Now coming out of a turn and flooring it yes the car will go sideways especially if middle rpm band and up. But not under say 2500 rpm's.
If your driving this car on the streets and flooring it all the time your and idiot, it is just to fast especially if going through a couple of gears.
But the fun of driving with the hear change is why I like it. Just more torque feeling.
While may not cheap it is my favorite mod amd I have had all the bolt ons.
Also the smog police can not get you.
Myself and the OP have very different builds and I could see that remaining stock, the 4.10 could be very beneficial. There is no wrong answer and he already decided.
Last edited by rpmextra; Aug 1, 2015 at 11:25 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,418
Likes: 267
From: Pontiac Quebec
Well, that's just common knowledge. the bigger gear the faster the acceleration on the exact same car.
I didn't like the idea of the trade-offs, but it's an "option" because many find the value in it. I could probably shred a 9.9x pass with a 4.10 myself. I kinda want to get there without so that when people ask I get to say...."nope just a little 3.42" lol
It is nice however to get feedback from guys who do have the 4.10. I'll keep that knowledge in mind. if your driving 75mpg what is your RPM at?
I didn't like the idea of the trade-offs, but it's an "option" because many find the value in it. I could probably shred a 9.9x pass with a 4.10 myself. I kinda want to get there without so that when people ask I get to say...."nope just a little 3.42" lol
It is nice however to get feedback from guys who do have the 4.10. I'll keep that knowledge in mind. if your driving 75mpg what is your RPM at?
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 200
From: Bay Area Ca.
Hum 70 mph is 1800 rpm. 75...? It is 300 rpm above the 3:42 at 70mph. Figure another 300 rpm above your car at the same speed, will be close.
Granted the sweet spot for cruising regarding fuel mileage is 1500 rpm.
Granted the sweet spot for cruising regarding fuel mileage is 1500 rpm.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 200
From: Bay Area Ca.
I remember my first experience with going against a geared vehicle.
Both had Honda 250 scramblers, back in the day 1965ish.
A friend's brother came along side me at a light we both took off and he was through the intersection before I could even get going almost. I inquired and he had changed the sprocket up front. Same bike except for the bigger gear.
Both had Honda 250 scramblers, back in the day 1965ish.
A friend's brother came along side me at a light we both took off and he was through the intersection before I could even get going almost. I inquired and he had changed the sprocket up front. Same bike except for the bigger gear.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,537
Likes: 1,404
From: Bethesda MD
rpmextra, if you are getting 1.59s on Michelin SS, that's some driving, rookie or not.
Your tires are probably much grippier than the stock runflats, so I consider that an endorsement for better tires.
The nice thing about 4.10s is that it is easier redline 2nd or 3rd gear and not be going crazy speeds. I'm not suggesting that anyone do 90 mph in a 30 mph zone, but many of us can find safe spots to go fast and use up 2nd and 3rd gear, especially when 4.10s reduce the speed needed to max out a gear by roughly 20%.
Guys 4:10's are easily controlled with regards to tire spinning. I have the Bridgestone SO-4 Max Summer tire on. Tire wear I think is 280. While a great all around performing tire it is by no means the stickest. I no issues of problamatic wheel spinning.
Now coming out of a turn and flooring it yes the car will go sideways especially if middle rpm band and up. But not under say 2500 rpm's.
If your driving this car on the streets and flooring it all the time your and idiot, it is just to fast especially if going through a couple of gears.
But the fun of driving with the hear change is why I like it. Just more torque feeling.
While may not cheap it is my favorite mod amd I have had all the bolt ons.
Also the smog police can not get you.
Now coming out of a turn and flooring it yes the car will go sideways especially if middle rpm band and up. But not under say 2500 rpm's.
If your driving this car on the streets and flooring it all the time your and idiot, it is just to fast especially if going through a couple of gears.
But the fun of driving with the hear change is why I like it. Just more torque feeling.
While may not cheap it is my favorite mod amd I have had all the bolt ons.
Also the smog police can not get you.
The nice thing about 4.10s is that it is easier redline 2nd or 3rd gear and not be going crazy speeds. I'm not suggesting that anyone do 90 mph in a 30 mph zone, but many of us can find safe spots to go fast and use up 2nd and 3rd gear, especially when 4.10s reduce the speed needed to max out a gear by roughly 20%.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,418
Likes: 267
From: Pontiac Quebec
rpmextra, if you are getting 1.59s on Michelin SS, that's some driving, rookie or not.
Your tires are probably much grippier than the stock runflats, so I consider that an endorsement for better tires.
The nice thing about 4.10s is that it is easier redline 2nd or 3rd gear and not be going crazy speeds. I'm not suggesting that anyone do 90 mph in a 30 mph zone, but many of us can find safe spots to go fast and use up 2nd and 3rd gear, especially when 4.10s reduce the speed needed to max out a gear by roughly 20%.
Your tires are probably much grippier than the stock runflats, so I consider that an endorsement for better tires.
The nice thing about 4.10s is that it is easier redline 2nd or 3rd gear and not be going crazy speeds. I'm not suggesting that anyone do 90 mph in a 30 mph zone, but many of us can find safe spots to go fast and use up 2nd and 3rd gear, especially when 4.10s reduce the speed needed to max out a gear by roughly 20%.
I actually never tried the car at the track with my street tires. (Michelin 325/30R19)
I have a friend who has achieved a 1.41 60ft with a similar setup to min and still using the 3.42 gear.
With my set up were turning the engine and shifting at 7300-7400 and despite that the gears come quickly. I like it where it is for now. Down the road if I ever max the cars potentional, maybe a gear change would be considered. I really want to stay n/a that's a potential option in the future.
Last edited by rpmextra; Aug 2, 2015 at 07:52 PM.