Rear gear selection for LS engine, opinions please.

[Tim john---]

Thanks guys, very much appriciate the opinions. I have a question then, why would the factory only offer the 3:42 for the 2004 LS GTO. Engineers do things for a reason and I would think their gear choice would have been optimized for that engine (LS). I also would not be going for the close ratio Tremec, most likely the .063 6th. gear version. The transmission would be the aftermarket Tremec T-56 not the factory 2004 GTO issue six speed. I want to have the floor shifter come through the floor console to look factory correct and that is not possible with the 2004 factory six speed plus I do not have either, need to purchase. I do have the factory automatic that came with the engine but will not be using it, hopefully sell it to help offset the cost of the manual unit. For now I would be running my original HURST wheels in 14" X 6" width with a 26" tall tire, also have some Rally II rims in 15" X 7" as an option and when the time comes I may have to get all new wheels and tires but uncertain on sizing, one thing I do not want is a thin side wall or a deep dish from the front face. I would rather have the back spacing than the deep dish look. I would like the car to look realitively stock from a side view and from the rear a nice thick tire foot print would be desirable.

Tim john---