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Best Gear Ratio- '03 Cobra??

  • Thread starter Thread starter admdavs
  • Start date Start date Feb 28, 2004

admdavs

New Member
Feb 25, 2004
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Chicago
Feb 28, 2004
#1
  • Feb 28, 2004
  • #1
Being a complete mechanical retard- can anyone help me with what the best gear ratio would be for my almost purchased '03 Cobra. I understand now that they sit at 3.55:1- (Though I really don't even know what that means ) I've been reading here that 3.73 is the way to go, but two questions: 1) What does 3.55:1 mean? and 2) Why is 3.73 better to have??
Thanks in Advance
 

Jackie Chan

I didn't read this.
Founding Member
Oct 17, 2002
2,507
4
48
Orlando, FL
Feb 28, 2004
#2
  • Feb 28, 2004
  • #2
for now you should stick with thte stock ratio. there are other mods that are easier to do to a cobra(pulley, chip, cai, midpipe)
 

MPSnyper

New Member
Oct 6, 2003
104
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0
Houston, Tx.
Feb 28, 2004
#3
  • Feb 28, 2004
  • #3
3.55:1 ~ 3.55 to 1

That means the drive shaft makes 3.55 rotations for ever 1 Full rotation of the rear axle..

Im cant really say what gears you should get cause i have never drove a 03 Cobra but going from 3.55 to 3.73, to me will be a waste.. 3.90:1 IMO would be the max with the power they make but like i said i have know idea about cobras gearing..

It also depend on what you want to do.. taller gear ie 3.73, 3.90, 4.10, and so on will get you to the redline quicker.. Wich is good for the strip.. If its only a daily driver.. to tall and your gas milage can be drop alittle.. and youll be shifting more often.

Hope that help alittle..
Matt
 

340.29m/s

New Member
Sep 22, 2003
213
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Blue Springs, Mo
Feb 28, 2004
#4
  • Feb 28, 2004
  • #4
If I am not mistaken, 3.55:1 means that for ever 3.55 turns of the driveshaft, your wheels will make one complete rotation.

Someone correct me if I am wrong.


edit: Looks like I was right, too bad I posted too late
 

'01 Steed

Founding Member
Aug 2, 2002
482
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Michigan
Feb 28, 2004
#5
  • Feb 28, 2004
  • #5
3.55 is the best all-around ratio for that car. The trans is geared for it, and believe me, first gear is short enough already.
 
J

JBVobra

Founding Member
Jun 12, 2000
594
0
16
Corpus Christi, Tx.
Feb 28, 2004
#6
  • Feb 28, 2004
  • #6
stockish power level, I'd say 4.10's. The first gear in the tranny is poor at 2.66, and the car needs help off the line, especially with the girth.

For comparison, an 01 Cobra would have a much more favorable overall ratio than an 03 Cobra:

01: 3.37 (1st tranny ratio) X 3.27 rear = 11.02
03: 2.66 (1st tranny ratio) X 3.55 rear = 9.44

with 4.10s on the 03:

2.66 X 4.10 = 10.91

Ya, ya, someone is most certainly going to counter that the 03 has such a different tourqe band, that it doesn't need that much gearing. Well, that might be true for street tires on a slippier track, but if you're even remotely considering drag radials and plan to stay in the stockish power level, a 4.10 equipped 03 would be a much more fun to drive IMO
 

Beau

Founding Member
Jan 29, 2000
3,050
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0
San Diego
Feb 28, 2004
#7
  • Feb 28, 2004
  • #7
[QUOTE='01 Steed]3.55 is the best all-around ratio for that car. The trans is geared for it, and believe me, first gear is short enough already.[/QUOTE]
exactly what he said.
 

PDubs

Founding Member
Feb 15, 2002
1,138
0
36
Always farging hot in Texas
Feb 28, 2004
#8
  • Feb 28, 2004
  • #8
If you're a good driver, go for 4.10s. I have enough problems with the 3.55s and the tricky IRS.
 

neoclasiccl

Founding Member
Jun 1, 2002
3,043
0
57
Help I can't see !!!!!!
Feb 28, 2004
#9
  • Feb 28, 2004
  • #9
The stock gearing is all you need. I have lots of trouble with traction even with drag radials. first and second and the IRS make for alot of practice and getting used to launching. I wouldnt even think of getting a different gear set but maybe with a solid axle
 

DBMSTNG

I fantasize about it being BIG!
Founding Member
Apr 23, 2002
2,120
0
56
not quite here
Feb 28, 2004
#10
  • Feb 28, 2004
  • #10
can't say i've ever driven an 03, but from what i know about it, i'd agree with neo.
 
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