So what about gears?

[Ernad]

I have a '98 5 speed. Mods are modest; dual flows, intake and pulleys are coming next week. I have read a few threads and quite often people suggest to swap gears. I believe for my car it's 3.73's. Since i have never worked on gears, i have a few questions.
Who makes them, and where to go to get them?
How much are they?
How long and difficult is the install?
Can i still drive safely on the highway (i do reach speeds of 90mph), and in the city as well?
Finally, is it really worth it?

Thank You

 

[atlblue2000]

I think most get them from www.gefracing.com Unless you are pretty mechanically inclined, thats a job that's probably best left with the guys who get paid to do it. I have never personally done it, but most of those with gears have them installed.

Along with the gears, you will want to purchase a traction-lok unit as well. It will give you the limited slip diff that allows you to plant both tires, not just one.

Go to the track and run your stang. Then do it with nothing diff except the gears and I promise you it will be worth it.

 

[Jamez]

If you go for brand new everything and get ripped on install you could get up to $700 pretty quick with a gear swap. Like most people I wouldn't recommend doing it yourself unless you are experience or have experienced help. I fell into a situation where a small 4x4 shop had a used t-lok the owner rebuilt for me and I got some good used 3.27's from a '99+ guy so with install, gears, t-lok, oil, gasket, and friction modifier I spent $390. That is extremely cheap, but not quite as much of a difference in acceleration as going to 3.73 and definately not 4.10. My mileage has stayed the same with my normal driving, but its a good bit quicker off the line when I want so I'm very happy.

 

[teenv6]

Don't try and do it yourself. But if you plan on getting gears, if you have a manual, then 3.73's will be good. If you have an automatic then 4.10's will be good. Both are good for highway driving too. A good thing to get with your gears is a tlok too, that transfers the power from just your rear right wheel like it is now, to both your rear wheels. Good purchase, trust me

Oh, and don't forget when you get the gears installed, you either have to get a speed cal, which will get your speedo back to where it is supposed to be, or a chip, which can/will take your rev limiter, and your speed limiter off. Because with the gears without the chip your speed limit will stop around 85 mph

 

[Jamez]

With a '98 you'd need a speedo gear which is installed on the VSS connected to the tranny. I got mine from Steeda cause they have a nice little chart and fast shipping.

 

[teenv6]

With a '98 you'd need a speedo gear which is installed on the VSS connected to the tranny. I got mine from Steeda cause they have a nice little chart and fast shipping.

But if you get the speedo gear, that still doesn't do anything about your limiter. So why not get a chip which will do the same thing the gear will do, and will also take care of your limiter too.

 

[Jamez]

Probably cause its $300 or so more than the gear

 

[marvinmycat]

THe speedcal gear on a 98 Auto w/ 4.10's will only bring the speedo to within 5mph of where it should be at. At 65mph, your speedo will read 70mph.

I still don't understand how a mechanical speedometer will benefit from an electronic speedcalibrator or a reburnt chip.

I just had a friend drive 65mph, and then I set the needle on 65, with the face plate off of course.