Close vs. Wide Ratio Toploader for 351C

[nosaj122081]

I'm in the process of selling off my big block pieces to build up my 351C, and am using the funds to buy a 4 speed setup. I've found a setup, and the seller has both wide and a close ratio unit available for my choosing (the close ratio is a little more $). I'm having a hard time deciding between the 2, I see benefits and negatives with both. The 351C will be set up like this and spin up to about 6700RPM before shifting:

351C 2 bolt block w/ ARP main studs, bored over .030"
Shotpeened and polished factory rods, ARP rod bolts
SRP flat top pistons for ~11:1 compression
Everything balanced, all necessary machining
MILDLY ported CC 4V heads
Crane solid lift cam (246i, 250e at .050"; .555"i, .560"e, for some reason Crane specs say a 1.60 rocker)
Harland Sharp 1.73 rockers
Edelbrock Torker intake and BG Speed Demon 850 mech. sec. carb
hooker Competition Headers with 3" exhaust all the way back
3.89 Detroit Locker rear
Lightened car (no spare, rear mounted battery, glass fenders, no options)
26" tall rear tire

Any other details I have, I just didn't list. Would this setup be more effective with a close or wide ratio? I'm thinking close, but I'm wondering if I don't have enough gear accompanied by too much cam for the tall first.

 

[rbohm]

i would recomend the close ratio trans since you are using the 3.89 gears. the wide ratio trans is used for 3.25 and longer gears.

 

[10secgoal]

I would go for the close ratio. What does he want for a close ratio ? (if you don't want it) I don't know what toploaders cost.

 

[nosaj122081]

I would go for the close ratio. What does he want for a close ratio ? (if you don't want it) I don't know what toploaders cost.

Thanks guys, I figure I'll go for the close ratio, just needed some other opinions... I'm not just buying the tranny, my car was an auto car originally, so for the whole sha-bang, from the pedals to the driveshaft, the wide ratio setup he wants 1150 and the close 1350.

 

[mfp4073]

I am running a 300hp(wheel power). I have both a close ratio and wide ratio 4 speed that have have swapped back and forth through the years. I am running a 3.89 9 inch. If you are going to be road racing then the close ratio is great, but for day to day running and drag racing the wide is the way to go. The top gear is still a 1 to 1 ratio in both. Think of the close ratio as having a first gear closer to the wide ratios second gear. This is great when road racing, but for drag racing and for running around town its a little bit more of a pain. Try starting out in second gear sometime and you will get the idea. They were made such that you can keep the rpms up while running around the track. Just my .02, but in the long run I have kept in the wide ratio.