this is a great post. right on the money...... for example a late model GM based shop called FAST Motorsports in Woodstock IL. he has great reputation in the LS world. he did custom cam in my brother corvette, everything was legit, except for few small charges that he said were included in the quote....I have no dog in this fight, but I will say that I have a local guy who has done a lot of good work for me but has screwed many people. I have known him for a long time which might be the reason he hasn't ever done me wrong. but I know for a fact he has **** others. which is why I don't recommend him but still occasionally use him. just because someone has been good to one person doesn't mean they will not screw others. just my $.02.
again, more rpm drop on gear changes with wider ratio, but appearantly you don't want to discuss that so the insults ensue. yeah, it was real tough getting my bachelor of science degree without the ability to read. im done here.
by the way i have a degree in automotive technology, AND 5 years experience racing as a crew chief. i understand how various combinations works because i worked with those various combinations trying to find the best one for our race car.that depends on what overall combination he is running. for instance if he wants good top end speed, but needs dig off the line, a low first gear combined with a moderate final drive ratio will put the par where he wants it. as for you suggestion that a wide ratio gear set can hurt if you have a tight converter, thats rubbish. the converter is what is holding back the engine, not the gear set. a tight converter doesnt allow the engine to rev quickly into its power band like a looser converter does.