better modulation with numerically higher gear ratio?

[custom89stang]

ok, so i am getting a tranny swap to a manual on june 20th.....so next up is gears (of course).....and my debate is between 3.55's and 3.73's.... now my mechanic has 3.55's in his supercharger 347 stroker and he recommends i go with that.... because the 3.73's take away from top end speed.......i personally dont know if im going to stay N/A or go supercharger....i'm eventually dropping in a 347 stroker of my own....if i go N/A i'd like to go with the 3.73's but my friend has an IROC-Z camaro with 3.73's and he says there is NO driving in the rain....cause i asked how "it was". SO........that leads me too my questions....

is my friend right? 3.73's are very steep and i would have trouble in the rain here in seattle on hills and stuff? (this eventually will not be my daily driver....sometime next year) and secondly.... i heard that steeper gears like 3.73's allow you to modulate tire spin more? is this true? that would mean its easier not to slide and burn out ....and easier to start with 3.73 gears.....thanks for the help!

 

[custom89stang]

nobody?....so i'll bump!

 

[custom89stang]

i'll restate...... (1) how are 3.73's in the rain.....with a near-stock car like mine.....as opposed to 3.55's
AND
(2) i heard with 3.73's u can control burn-outs better (i heard it somewhere on here).....which means u could actually control loss of traction better? so it would be easier to drive in the rain and stuff? thanks guys!

 

[qplk11]

I'd get the 3.73's. Rain driving would honestly have no influence on my decision. The only reason I would choose 3.55's over 3.73's is if you are on the highway A LOT and that even may not be enough reason. Yes you can do burnouts much easier with 3.73's. Don't worry about driving in the rain. These cars suck in the rain. Period! If you lose control in the rain while driving, I GUARANTEE that it still would still have happened if you had 3.55's. You will love the seat of the pants feel you will get from 3.73's. Good luck.

 

[_jb_]

I have NEVER had problems driving in the rain, with my 2.73s or 3.55s. If you try to race on wet roads, your just stupid.

 

[custom89stang]

ok thanx u guys! for the help!

 

[Michael Yount]

3.73's may limit your buddy's supercharged 347's top end - he may have enough power to pull the redline in top gear. But 3.73's won't limit your top end - you probably don't have enough power to pull 3.73's up the redline. With 2.73's your top end is probably achieved in 4th gear; the difference in gearing between 2.73's and 3.73's is almost identical to the ratio drop between 4th and 5th in the stock T5. So if you want to know what rpms you'll be turning with the 3.73's, or how it's gonna pull in 5th gear - just drop it back into 4th with the 2.73's.

 

[maverick0716]

3.73's will have no bearing on top speed. I can do 180 kph (about 110-115 mph) in 4th gear at only 5300 rpm, and that's with stock diameter tires (25.7") Our 5th gears are pretty damn low.....I've never head of anyone redlining 5th gear.

 

[89MustangGX]

The 3.73's in the rain is a non-issue. That is an issue for driver control. Many vehicles have come w/ plenty of torque and 3.73's or numerically higher gears in the past -- and people drive them all the time.

 

[custom89stang]

ok, keep the new info coming! car goes into shop on monday as a AOD and comes out next Thursday as a 5-spd! exciting times!.... then gears! prolly 3.73's!