I was wondering what everyone would suggest as to the gears I put in. I have a 94 GT Convertible with a 5 spd. I realize a lot of people would say 4.10's, but I do a LOT of highway driving, and was wondering if that was really gonna suck for my gas. Any ideas? 3.73's, 3.90's, 4.10's?
I would stick to 3.55s or 3.73s if you do A LOT of highway driving. I am really happy with my 3.55s. Anything lower with my setup would be crazy on the street. First and second gears are nuts.
I just got 3.73's in my 5-speed. I don't do a lot of highway driving, but you definitely get into the higher rpm's with the gears because it is so easy to do. Your gas goes a little faster.. but thats the price you pay sometimes for having fun. If you shifted below 3,000 rpm's everytime it wouldn't really affect your gas mileage too bad. It would only take away about 1-2 mpg. It is worth it though because you accelerate a hell of a lot faster. In 4th gear going 70 mph, I am at about 3,000 rpm's... but thats why you got that 5th gear.
I also have 3.73's and do a lot of highway driving and its about the perfect combination of increased power without sacraficing too much driveablilty. I might even put in 3.90's or 4.10's if I had it to do again. BUt I am very happy with my 3.73's.
Go with the 3.55's.. I have 3.73's on mine and 1st is so short.. plus I think once I am finished my motor build up I may go to 3.55 or even back to the 3.27's..
I fly though 1st as it is.. with 350hp 1st will be almost worthless..
i agree with Balderman. if you're under 300+ HP then go with the 3:73's. the 3:55's i run are fine until i'm cruising on the hwy wanting to run in 5th. then i hit the drone zone of my catback pretty bad. i would have been better off with 3:73's for right now.
i'm gonna stick with the 3:55's and re-evaluate after i get my intake and heads swapped out. i think at that point i'll be happy with my gear choice. don't get me wrong the 3:55's are great all around. if you have a stock or straight through exhaust you won't have any problems. 3:73s will just get your rpms consistantly above 2500 in all 5 gears.
Not to highjack CeMans thread, but thought i'd toss a question in. Hope you don't mind.
My delima: Turbo will go on sometime early spring as well as a few bolt ons. Hoping for a minimum of 380rwhp. I drive 80-100 miles a day, and currently have the factory 3.08s. I also happen to have brand new FRPP 3.73's in the garage waiting to go on. I bought the gears a year ago when i drove no more than 39 miles a day, and haven't had the time to get them on.
Should i sell the 3.73's, and stick with my 3.08's....or.....go with the 3.73's and ditch the 3.08's. I can stand to give up a few miles on the tank, if the performance is worth it, but how much of a hit can i expect to take as far as average mpg??? I do anywhere from 60-80 miles a day on the highway btw. The Mileage will probably be less come spring though, since i get my lil 4 banger econo car back. Still....