Gear Ratio

[Swain]

Not sure what size im going with in the rear, I am trying to pick out what wheel i still want to run and what size 18x12 or 19x12

I was thinking 4:10 as well

Thanks for the help

[GregWeld]

Originally Posted by Swain

Not sure what size im going with in the rear, I am trying to pick out what wheel i still want to run and what size 18x12 or 19x12

I was thinking 4:10 as well

Thanks for the help

Think about this - Corvettes run 3:42's and six speeds

I'm running a 3:73 in a 427 small block - and Ford 9"

So agree with the above commenters - high 3's or MAYBE low 4's... There are websites that you can compare gear ratios - and speeds... and tire diameters... that might be somewhat helpful for seeing the speeds in each gear. I use Smokemup.com but that is a "pay" site.

It's not fun to have to shift out of 1st gear at 10 mph - which is 10 feet from letting out the clutch... I've had cars like that - it sucks.

Ask Mark or Charley what Mule and Jackass are using - and whether or not they like them?

[Vegas69]

Look at your intended application and normal cruise speeds in your daily driver and play with the calculators. You also need to take into consideration your engine. How large is the camshaft, what type of fuel delivery?

[Swain]

As for right now I have a 383 SBC but things can change I need to do some more research haha. The motors just a short block but I keep thinking of going to a BBC. Thanks for all the help guys I will keep you posted on what I figure out.

[GregWeld]

Swain --

I don't know how accurate this info is - but it's food for thought and some discussion with someone that knows a whole lot more than I do...

I was "told" that the best gear ratio for "street" driven cars is one that puts your RPM at Cruise speeds about 200 RPMS LESS than where your CAM starts to make some torque (not just some torque but where it's going to start getting with it).... as this will allow you to cruise just "off" this area of the cam and by just barely tickling the throttle - you start to hit a nice sweet spot. This is supposed to give good gas milage - but give you great throttle response.

I'm tossing this out - since you said you have a short block - but also that you might change to a BBC... so that CAM selection / torque RPM / Cruise RPM calc would be important and make a huge difference in the feel of the car.

So, as example - you have a Cam that is rated at 2000 - 6500 rpm... I'd figure I'd want to be cruising at 1800/1900 RPMS at ? 65mph? and calculate backwards from there using your tire diameter. Or build the motor - dyno it - and see where it starts making power?

[Vegas69]

I agree, you need to spec the motor and pick your tire size first.

[DOOM]

I was just going to post about this very subject. I just got off the phone with Strange . Mike in tech told me I should be going with a 4.30 with my 572 6 speed .I told him I was running 19's . Man I thought that was a high gear. Does this sound okay guy's???

[E.rodz]

food for thought what do you plan on using the car for ?do you plan on autocrossing?taking it on long road trips?weekend drag racing.thats the first ? the second is what motor and howmuch hp.tq.have had many cars with 411 gears and they work good for a auto but not as well for a stick you just have to shift to much and gas milage suffers bad.I would give up a little hole shot for some extra milage and drivability for the street.but an autocross car for a short track would be a different story.you might be at the top of your preformance level of that t56 and with a deaper gear you will put more stress on the tranny.and fry tires alot easier..I think greg is on track with his calculations need more info before gearing can be figured for your optimum fun factor.

[Vegas69]

Originally Posted by Vegas69

Look at your intended application and normal cruise speeds in your daily driver and play with the calculators. You also need to take into consideration your engine. How large is the camshaft, what type of fuel delivery?

Man that's a good idea.....