[Tigers] Gears and rpms

[awtiger at cox.net]

A big "thank you" to all of you who responded to my gearing question!!!  The calculators and spreadsheets that several of you turned me on to are of great assistance.

So, the general concensus I'm getting from you guys appears to be that the close-ratio tranny is more of a culprit in contributing to slower off-the-line response than is the rear end ratio.  Going to the wide-ratio gears does sound like the answer I'm looking for as it yields the best of everything without cutting up the car; quicker response off the line and easier on the clutch while still maintaining the highway rear gear advantages of less noise, less wear and tear on the engine and reasonable gas mileage.  This may be the route that I should take as I'm going to have to have my trans gone through anyway when I replace the clutch in the car this winter.  This would be a great opportunity to make the suggested ratio changes.

Having said that, it appears that most of you who have made this change have done so by just changing the gears in your close-ratio boxes.  So, to Gary and others who have done this, where should I be looking for the parts I would need to make the recommended gear ratio changes?  

Thanks again for the suggestions and assistance,
Andy Walker
Edmond, OK
B382001600LRXFE
TAC #740


---- michael king <michael.s.king at gmail.com> wrote: 
> Andy,
> 
> with 185/70/13's the following will be the RPM/speed:
> 
> 3.07:1
> 60mph: 2669 rpm
> 70mph: 3114 rpm
> 
> 3.31:1
> 60mph: 2878 rpm
> 70mph: 3357 rpm
> 
> For what it's worth. if you are prepared to pull the rear end... dont...
> you are better off switching to the wide ratio trans gears.. you will get a
> shorter first and quicker take off without hurting cruising rpm. I have a
> 3.07 and run 195/60/14 ... the wide ratio gives a better first than i have
> even with shorter gears,, and better highway.
> 
> The 5 speed is the best option.. you could run a slightly shorter rear..
> have brutal acceleration.. and still better than stock highway... then
> again.. traction might be harder to come by off the line...
> 
> i would switch out your first gear ratio before you swap the rear end. just
> my .02
> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> Regards
> 
> Michael King