rear end gear choices...

9

93 saturn sl2

Forum Member
Im thinking of swapping out my 3.73s to either 3.31s or the stock 3.27s for two reasons. First gear is useless and second can be if I stay on the gas and I run out of 4th gear around 110 or slightly under.

Out of those two choices, what would you choose? Or is there not that big of a difference between the two. I like how the 3.73s feel in 3rd and 4th. Im afraid going back to a taller gear is going to make the car feel more sluggish.


The car is a Kenne Bell 2v gt that makes 400rwtq and the stock 3650 5sp trans. Nitto NT555 tires.
 
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According to a calculator online, theres only a 1mph difference between the taller gears at 5500rpm and 2mph at 6000. 123 vs 124 and 134 vs 136. Not that the car would ever trap at those speeds.
 
I could throw some 28" slicks on it, but then I need to build the rear, and change some suspension parts...it never ends lol.

After more thought, I think a T-56 swap might be better for me. The first gear is 2.66 vs my 3.38 and I would have a gear between 1:1 and OD. I can keep my 3.73s and fix the issues that im having. Then I can always go to a DR if I still need help.
 
I hear ya. I'm in the middle of my rear suspension/axle build. A better first gear ratio would def help I'd say


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Ideally you want to be in your horsepower peak (rpm) at the finish line.

If you're breaking shit on wore out DR's you're doing something wrong lol. Are you having wheel hop issues?
 
BigWheelinBubba said:
Ideally you want to be in your horsepower peak (rpm) at the finish line.

If you're breaking shit on wore out DR's you're doing something wrong lol. Are you having wheel hop issues?
Click to expand...

No wheel hop issues at all. According to Maximum Motorsports' website, the LCAs I have a good for lower hp cars, and that their higher model with spherical bushings on both the chassis and axle side are better for high hp cars opposed to only the axle side on my set.
 
What I'm curious about is how the heck do you figure you are topping out 4th at 110? Those must be some pretty short tires. :undecided
 
I had the tire size wrong the first time I used the calculator. With the new diameter entered it says I should top out 4th at 122 @ 6000.
 
3.27:1 or 3.31:1 are both about the same. I doubt you would see a real-world difference between the two. And in saying that, it will affect how the car pulls. I know you have doubts on the 3.73:1 gears, but how about meeting in the middle with a 3.55:1? Might give you the best of both worlds. At least take a look at it in your calculator...
 
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