In a message dated 9/21/99 2:00:30 PM Pacific Daylight Time, tigerpb@ids.net
writes:
> My '65 Tiger came with a factory posi and a @ 3.17 ratio. This was just
> about right for all around driving and still being able to get up and go at
> a decent clip from a stop light.
Hey Dr. Maif,
What you probably have is a 3.07 ratio. A number of early Tigers were
delivered with this ratio, and while it is an improvement over 2.88s, it
hardly provides neck-snapping performance.
To my knowledge, there was no 3.17 ratio for a Tiger. The available factory
ratios were: 3.07 (LAT 51); 3.31 (LAT 52); 3.54 (LAT 53); and 3.73 (LAT
54). There are other ratios that can be installed in a Salisbury/Dana 44,
such as 3..77 and 4.06, but they weren't factory options and didn't include a
3.17.
A metal tag under one of the differential cover bolts was stamped with the
differential ratio. Lacking this, the ratio can be determined by removing
the rear cover and rotating the differential until some numbers can be seen
stamped on the edge of the ring gear. These numbers are the tooth count for
the ring gear and the pinion gear. Simply divide the numbers to determine
the ratio.
Here is an interesting experiment for Tiger owners with a 2.88 rear end and
the HEH-E (close ratio) gearbox: If you want to see what its like to drive a
Tiger in 4th gear with a 3.73 rear end, try driving around in 3rd gear all
day. The final drive ratio in 4th gear for a car with a 2.88 rear end is
3.71.
I know. Picky, picky!
Dick Barker
HEH-E w/3.54s
BW T-10B w/3.77s
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