So my work is done. Here is An update for all in case anyone is looking to do the same mods and concerned as I was about loudnes, sound, performance, etc.
My motor is 100% stock. I had 2:73 in the rear with an AOD and
Flowmaster super 44 mufflers on the stock size 2 1/4 pipes. She was a dog that sounded “ok”. Lol
I just had
BBK headers installed as well as a BBK O/R X/pipe with a full 2.5” stainless steel system consisting of new super 44 flowmaster mufflers and polished tips. I also had 4:10s put in the rear.
I am super happy with it all! The sound is loud but not obnoxious in my opinion. Just what I was hoping for. It sounds really deep and throaty. I was concerned it was going to have a “European” sound due to the x-pipe vs an H-pipe. Most readings say X is European and H is deep old school which is what I wanted however in my opinion the X gave me exactly what I wanted which is a deep, mean, old school sound as well. As for the gears, from all the reading I did and speaking to people i was concerned with reving to high with 4:10s but also expected it to be an animal. I was on the fence with either 3:73 or 4:10. Wanted the 4:10 but was nervous it would be a mistake.
anyway, I went with the 4:10s and I am super happy because in my case, it definitely doesn’t rev to high at all. Around local streets it’s perfectly fine and on the highway I was at about 2000 rpm at 55 mph. She wasn’t reving crazy loud at all for my standards. With a 23 tooth tranny gear swap I was clocking 63 mph when I was in fact at 55 which fluctuates so I’m gonna say about a 10 mph difference on the highway which would be a lot lower on local streets of course. I’m good with that also. I’m super glad I went with the 4:10s with the AOD because although she’s definetly not a dog anymore like she was with the 2:73s However she’s definitely not an animal either. Just much peppier. 4:10 is a great gear for the AOD and I would say going a little bit higher numerically would be even better. Lol I’m happy with the 4:10 performance but actually expected it to be a lot better but maybe that’s because mentally I expected it after hearing so many people describe it as a crazy gear, etc. For my usage it’s a great gear for sure but id welcome even more. Lol
So for those of you that have a stock motor and looking to do gears and or exaust in an AOD that’s my experience so far. I’ve been having lots of fun starting in low, reving her all the way up and then pushing into drive. Living in nyc you don’t need more than 1st and 2nd (lol) because before you know it your at the next stop sign, street light or traffic in front so no room for 3rd and up. I can see why out of the city though a 5 speed is so much more the way to go. Anyway, The sound, growl and thrust from the rear is a beautiful thing. Sounds and feels great! As most people say and I now I agree when it comes to an AOD and 4:10s, “don’t fear the gear”. Haha
Hope this helps anyone considering gears with the AOD.