I've heard from a countless amount of people that 3:73s in a 305 can actually make you slower if your not heavily modified. I'm not sure if it's BS or not. Anyone have any times to back it up? Before and after 3:73s?

Also, heres another story/question I have.
I raced a 2001 navy blue Mustang GT 5 speed this past weekend. He was behind me cruising highway speed and floored it, i floored it and he passed me. I was like, DAMNIT! I know he was doing that thing called "drafting" so that could of been why. But about 3min later i was in 4th gear going 83mph in 4th gear. I did the same thing he did to me and I BLEW past him a lot easier than he blew past me. I just kept pulling as I saw him start disspearing. I ended up going 116mph on the highway.

It just feels like 3rd gear doesnt have enough, maybe my torque curve drops after every gear change I dont know. Could it be related to 3:73s? What can I do to improve it? I have the money for a Comp cam.

I still have the SLP headers I am currently installing right now. When I raced him I didnt have headers.

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'92 Formula
305 TPI 5speed
1LE package
Mods: SLP headers,SLP catback,SLP air foil,ported plenum,Crane AFPR (47psi),MSD6AL,AC delco cold plugs, Bosch O2sensor, homemade cold air,K&Ns,3:73s,JET fan switch, Macewen white face gauges

[This message has been edited by theformula (edited December 03, 2000).]

 

well, 3.73's will make you slower, but only in top speed. Now, a couple of the v6 guys have done it and they gain time and mph in the 1/4 mile, don't have the times right now but could get them. And i think that if they help our v6's they should be ok in a v8. Just don't try to do 170mph.

 

They won't hurt your performance at the track for sure, but some people think they are to low for automatic cars but if yours is a standard they should be perfect on the streat as well.

 

I did a gear calcualtor once that showed less than one tenth differnce between my 3.45's and 3.73's

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Justin 87 GTA--organizer: "NY2K" Gathering. Blk/Gld w/Superam, 355cid Trickflows, forged pistons 9.5:1. Auto 2,600 stall, 3.45 9 bolt disc, Best time & mph 13.567 @ 101.900 w/ a poor 60ft. Best mph: 104.3 *This car is 100% NYS emissions legal, w/ all emissions controls!* "If you want to have a fast car, hang out w/ those who do!"
http:// www.community.webtv.net/munks87/JustinsGTApage.com

 

3.73s will give you a lot more bite off the line but hurt your top end. Considering you have a 5 speed you should be fine for normal highway driving.

In terms of 3.42s vs. 3.73s, its all personal decision. 3.42s will give you better gas milage and a higher top speed. 3.73s will lower your top speed and should increase your 1/4 mile time. If you do a lot of highway driving, I would just go 3.42s.

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Luke
94 Saturn SL (1.9L)
86 Camaro Berlinetta (5.0L) *TPI 350 In Progress*
Berlinetta Board Mod @3rdgen.org
Non-Tech Mod @LG4 Performance Team

 

Looking back a 3.42 might have been a better way to go. 'Cause I do alot of highway driving and my engine turns high r's. The trany now gets warm. I am installing a trany cooler this summer. BUT definately no complaints about switching from a 3.08 open rear end.

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'84 Camaro 327ci Bored .030 over w/ 5.7" Rods. Large Jouranl 327! 3.73 geared Auburn Limited Slip Diff. FlowMaster Muffler w/ Shortie Headers. TH-350 Built Trany Underneath B&M Mega-Shifter. Many Engine compartment Dress Up Mods. Edelbrock High Flow Water Pump w/ Flex-a-Lite Cooling Fan.
It is still under construction @ www.iserv.net~brodgers

 

My buddy has 3.73's and says if he did it again he would have gone 4.11's ofcourse your top end goes down and your mpg's decrease but thats not what it's about its about raping **** light to light 1/4 to 1/4