What gears

[1980c10]

Let me help a little, here is what your rpm will be in overdrive at 65 mph with different gears and stock 27'' tire.

3.08 = 1669 rpm
3.27 = 1772 rpm
3.55 = 1924 rpm
3.73 = 2021 rpm
3.90 = 2114 rpm
4.10 = 2222 rpm
4.30 = 2330 rpm

maybe a sticky on that chart for future help about choosing the right gears?

[91grandmarquis]

That is helpful, However I don't really know what it means as far as translation to when the car will shift, I assume if this pattern is the same throughout as it should be then the car will shift later, meaning at a higher speed?

[1980c10]

No, the lower the gear the lower the speed you will shift into gears. For example with my stock 3.08's the car didnt shift into overdrive until 50-55 mph, now with the 4.30's it will shift into overdrive at 40 mph. I hope that makes sense lol.

[91grandmarquis]

Ok it was reverse thinking, but yeah it does make sense, But does that mean that I will top out faster? and at a lower speed?

[monterey1962]

I have 4.30's and love them. I think there perfect for a H.O. but they may be a little much for your average person.

What speedometer gear are you using in the transmission? Is your speedometer accurate? Would you please describe the feel of the car during launch with the 4.30's vs. the 3.08's?

[gadget73]

yes, when the motor has spun all its gonna spin, you will be moving at a slower speed. Even with a 3.55 on a lopo, you will have no problems pegging an 85 mph speedo hard in the corner. WOT won't upshift to overdrive anyway. Considering the vast majority of us have noplace to safely sustain that kind of speed, its not really a big concern.

[91grandmarquis]

Right, but I will get off the line faster - Witch is much better for beating those goddamn ricers.

[1980c10]

ummmm, 3.08's compaired to 4.30's. Well about the only way to put it is night and day lol
Before with the 3.08's H.O. and some other stuff I was running 10.90's in the 1/8th
Now with the 4.30's I should be in the 9.50's in the 1/8th which is usually what a stock fox mustang runs btw lol. Not that impresive but not bad for a big ass car. I havent got to go to the track yet with the new gears, but I will put $100 that 9.50's will happen now traction permiting of course.

[merc91]

its seemed that with 3.08's the cars top speed was around 115mph but it took so long that its top speed was a usable 100mph. 3.73 gears get me to 100mph still (WOT to 85 then let off a touch and OD takes you to 100 easily) but allot quicker, and once you get their thats it... no creeping to 115 in the next 3 minutes. lol. I was worried about top speed to but its still pretty much as fast, i'm also running a 275/60/15 rear tire in the summer tho which pairs up great with the 3.73's but i do have stock size 27" snowies on now and the gears are still great. and your parents make good bearings! you honestly won't feel the difference in your but as much as you sometimes here, but my 0-60 went from about 13.2 to 11.2 with speedometer compensation (purple gear) all looked after and all... and the good 8 clutch limited slip is just great being able to get both tires smokin, makes drifting around corners and doughnuts tons easier to lol.

rite on with the ricers... with the latest mods i'm starting to reliably beat them 4 bangers, and in an old merc like ours, its priceless. when your done your mods your just gunna love it

[pantera77]

I don't know why so many people are concerned with top speed. Am I the only one that drives slow? I'm more worried about getting to 60 fastest, than being able to do 120.

[merc91]

yeh getting to 60-80 or so quick is what is good for most and me hense the popular 3.73's but the odd time your on the highway and a clown in his parents mini van from school wants to see how fast you can go... its nice to be able to hit 100 or a little more and still pull away from him if the occasion calls for it. but i'm also an 18 year old goof lol so i'll probly snap out of that eventually haha. most of the action is 0-60 tho like ya say and thats what i'm most concerned with...4 bangers...

[gadget73]

I don't know why so many people are concerned with top speed. Am I the only one that drives slow? I'm more worried about getting to 60 fastest, than being able to do 120.

Not just you. Its rare that I push mine over 85. I have, just for S&G but its not very often it happens. There isn't anyplace to do that safely, and I'm not interested in getting dead or getting myself a driving vacation for doing 35+ over the limit. I regularly cruise 70-75 though, and I like to be able to get it there in a reasonable amount of time. It helps tremendously when merging if you have enough ass to get up to speed before the merge lane ends.

[91grandmarquis]

I wasn't really concerned about top speed, I have no place to open her up, I was just wondering if that is what it accomplished... Thanks for all the info.

[andymac0035]

NH is full of hills wich sucks balls, But my car never even hits the middle of the temp gauge. The brakes usually develop a nice odor though.

Yup, got that right.
I have 2.73's and I hope to eventually have 3.55's w/trac-loc.
In the meantime I pretty much drop my car into "D" at first and only shift it up to "OD" at higher speeds where I feel the car actually makes good use of it. Helps a lot with the brakes too.

[91grandmarquis]

Ahah yeah route 12a from keene to alstead is a constant battle, I usually run it in low down hills when I can too, does save the brakes a bit.