Close ratio VS Wide ratio?

[DOOM]

Just ordered my T56 from American Powertrain . I had a choice between close ratio or wide ratio . My limited knowledge on this told me to get the close ratio did I do the right thing???

[Vegas69]

I've never heard it called that but make sure you get the 2.66 first gear. With a 572, that gear is really to deep. I had a 2.87 in my car and always wanted a much higher 1st gear ratio with my 3.73. I completely understand why Mark uses a 3.25 rear gear and a 2.66 first gear.

[DOOM]

I'm on it Todd! Am I calling it the wrong thing??? My rear is a 3.83 keep it the same?

[DOOM]

My mistake its a 3.50 ..

[Sieg]

Close ratio is the right ratio Mario! My under-powered gen 1 SBC with a 3.42 and T56 Mag close ratio is great. No problem with the taller 1st gear and it feels gap-less through the gears, 5-6 is the most noticeable and it's not bad. 1st gear is actually useable. I had a wide ratio in a '93 1LE Camaro and the low first gear typically created a situation of get it rolling and into 2nd asap to get business done.

I think you'll be very pleased.

[DOOM]

Originally Posted by Sieg

Close ratio is the right ratio Mario! My under-powered gen 1 SBC with a 3.42 and T56 Mag close ratio is great. No problem with the taller 1st gear and it feels gap-less through the gears, 5-6 is the most noticeable and it's not bad. 1st gear is actually useable. I had a wide ratio in a '93 1LE Camaro and the low first gear typically created a situation of get it rolling and into 2nd asap to get business done.

I think you'll be very pleased.

Thanx Sieg!!! I'm new to this stuff and have a lot to learn !!

[Sieg]

Originally Posted by DOOM

Thanx Sieg!!! I'm new to this stuff and have a lot to learn !!

You're welcome Mario.

Your 3.50 gearing should make for a very good combination. After having some time with my 3.42's I'd like a little lower gear for my little motor but 3.73's would raise the optimal cruise rpm's in 5th and 6th. I can't tell you how much I enjoy the car now, after 20+ years that T56 trans makes me want to drive it all the time. It's so good I could care less about the price and time invested in the project, the rewards are easily worth double.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

[Flash68]

Originally Posted by DOOM

I'm on it Todd! Am I calling it the wrong thing??? My rear is a 3.83 keep it the same?

Close ratio vs wide ratio is the correct terminology. It's been around for 50 years. Todd's just had his head in the sand with that junk TKO.

The main reason I've seen people go with the wide ratio (2.97 1st) is for the .5 overdrive 6th gear. But those people are usually more cruising and touring oriented than performance. And with any kind of decent power level you'd likely be better off with the close ratio.

I had a TKO with a 3.70 rear gear before and it sucked.

[Flash68]

Originally Posted by Vegas69

I completely understand why Mark uses a 3.25 rear gear and a 2.66 first gear.

Um yeah... cuz he has 200+ more ft lbs than everyone else?

[FETorino]

Originally Posted by DOOM

Just ordered my T56 from American Powertrain . I had a choice between close ratio or wide ratio . My limited knowledge on this told me to get the close ratio did I do the right thing???

Yes you did. The WR has too low a first and too high a 6th.