Best T56 Magnum/ rear gear combo

[Sieg]

Originally Posted by Blake Foster

Yes.................. Sometimes, we have switched to US Gear because of the inconsistency of the motive 3.73 sets.
we NORMALLY recommend 3.73 (seems to work for everything ) but I really liked my 3.89 gears

Interesting, the old-timer I use does nothing but ring and pinion work. Could be he just sets them up right.

Regarding the ratio it really depends on where and how you drive your car......and the other elements of the equation, power, power curves, trans ratios, and tire height.

IMO - It's really a personal preference that one needs to analyze and factor for themselves.

[RdHuggr68]

Originally Posted by workng247

OK, thats some good input and confirms what I was thinking.

Now, what about using the factory center console? I was looking at your build and the problems you had with the offset shifter leaking. What did you finally end up with and what would you recommend? Keep it? Move it? Lose it? I'd like to keep it but it seems like the shifter location with it is not ideal. Thoughts? Thanks

I would be interested Siegs response also. I don't want to get rid of my console!!
Kevin

[Sieg]

I dumped the OEM panel that encloses the shifter, made my own shift boot and a new panel from 16 gauge sheet metal. The shifter is in located in the forward position on the case, with the OEM panel it works in the rear position. The forward position positions the shifter closer to the steering wheel and forward of the internal gear that slings lubricant directly up onto the shift linkage and seal.

This picture is taken before paint while I was mocking up the gauge pod for the AEM air fuel gauge.

[RdHuggr68]

Originally Posted by Sieg

I dumped the OEM panel that encloses the shifter, made my own shift boot and a new panel from 16 gauge sheet metal. The shifter is in located in the forward position on the case, with the OEM panel it works in the rear position. The forward position positions the shifter closer to the steering wheel and forward of the internal gear that slings lubricant directly up onto the shift linkage and seal.

This picture is taken before paint while I was mocking up the gauge pod for the AEM air fuel gauge.

Looks great Sieg, thanks for the info!!

[Nativefx]

Originally Posted by Sieg

Is your T56 wide or close ratio?

I had 3:31's and went to 3:73 with a 26.6" tire with a close ratio T56 Mag and it's just about right for my needs.

This will help you figure it out: http://www.tremec.com/calculadora.php

Hi Sieg, my combination will be pretty close to the same once I get finished so i'm interested in your thoughts about the 3:73 gearing in the rear? Do you still find your able to actually use 6th gear? Here in OR the speed limit on the highway is still 55 but for my purposes I'm going to consider 60-65 mph as that's normally the speed people drive on the highways.

I'm building my car to drive, so even with a 480-500hp LS3 motor, close ratio T56 Mag and 9" rear end, I'd still like it to be fun around town but also useful on the highway for longer trips over 5 hrs. I had considered 3:42 but I don't think that would be very useful for 6th gear very often. I think I should be considering 3:73 or 3:89 to give me the best overall?

Obviously I'm worried about gear whine, so I've been trying to research the best options for either of these as well. I'm seeing mixed reviews of the Motive gear sets, but also understand most consider the ones made in Italy to be better? Until Blakes earlier comment I hadn't heard anyone mention US Gear, so I'll have to do some research on them as well.

Appreciate all the input available through the forum!

[Sieg]

Originally Posted by Nativefx

Hi Sieg, my combination will be pretty close to the same once I get finished so i'm interested in your thoughts about the 3:73 gearing in the rear? Do you still find your able to actually use 6th gear? Here in OR the speed limit on the highway is still 55 but for my purposes I'm going to consider 60-65 mph as that's normally the speed people drive on the highways.

I'm building my car to drive, so even with a 480-500hp LS3 motor, close ratio T56 Mag and 9" rear end, I'd still like it to be fun around town but also useful on the highway for longer trips over 5 hrs. I had considered 3:42 but I don't think that would be very useful for 6th gear very often. I think I should be considering 3:73 or 3:89 to give me the best overall?

Obviously I'm worried about gear whine, so I've been trying to research the best options for either of these as well. I'm seeing mixed reviews of the Motive gear sets, but also understand most consider the ones made in Italy to be better? Until Blakes earlier comment I hadn't heard anyone mention US Gear, so I'll have to do some research on them as well.

Appreciate all the input available through the forum!

I was cruising a little yesterday 70-80 at 2000-2200 in 6th with a 26.5" rear tire and it's perfect, even with my horribly inferior Holley Ultra XP carb and Gen1 SBC. Around town 35 mph in 3rd gear is 2400ish rpm.

Road speeds at typically 55-65 and 65-75 around here so 5th and 6th are

Tire diameter is a critical factor!

My Motive's are silent, but as mentioned that could have a lot to do with who set them up. Blake has a lot more rear end experience than I.

[Nativefx]

Originally Posted by Sieg

I was cruising a little yesterday 70-80 at 2000-2200 in 6th with a 26.5" rear tire and it's perfect, even with my horribly inferior Holley Ultra XP carb and Gen1 SBC. Around town 35 mph in 3rd gear is 2400ish rpm.

Road speeds at typically 55-65 and 65-75 around here so 5th and 6th are

Tire diameter is a critical factor!

My Motive's are silent, but as mentioned that could have a lot to do with who set them up. Blake has a lot more rear end experience than I.

Yeah i'm running 325/30/19 tires in the rear which are 26.677 if I recall correctly.

[Sieg]

3.89 may also work for you, really depends on how you like/want to drive it.

[71RS/SS396]

If you want quiet gears.... buy Ford gears. I have one disclaimer though... they're more expensive than aftermarket ones. You can buy REM finished Ford gears from C&R Racing.

[Nativefx]

Originally Posted by 71RS/SS396

If you want quiet gears.... buy Ford gears. I have one disclaimer though... they're more expensive than aftermarket ones. You can buy REM finished Ford gears from C&R Racing.

Thanks for the advise. I'll definitely have to look into that as I'm worried about any whine coming from the rear.