Al,
The ratios in that Mazda transmission are: 3.75, 2.32, 1.43, 1.00, 0.75 .
The 2.32 2nd gear in that transmission is 1st gear in a close ratio
Toploader. Most seem to find the 2.78 1st gear of the wide ratio to be very
good. I believe (but might need correction) that the ratios Tom Hall uses
have the 2.95 1st gear (rather close). So, the 3.75 Mazda 1st gear is W-A-Y
out there. The .75 5th will probably drop you 600-700 RPM on the highway.
This could put your engine out of its torque range depending upon the build.
I've also heard the Mazda/Ford transmission isn't very reliable (this
according to the rednecks up the street). My inclination would be to
consider a different transmission based on ratio spread, and reliability.
Tom (Witt)
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