Ja85z28

I have a 85 Z28 5 speed with Aerohead Racing prepared 601's and K1103 cam, SLP Y-PIPE and free flowing exhaust system ......very stock looking Camaro that idles with a little attitude.
https://youtu.be/Fle9A6RC1E8 (Added link to idle video

It's time to start thinking about gears, but heres the age old question 3:73 or 4:11 gears???? This is not I repeat not a race car. It's my toy car and 40-50 miles highway blasts are not out of the question, but neither is a little side by side "sport driving." I did find an attractive kit on ebay for $590 http://m.ebay.com/itm/CHEVY-CAMARO-G-BODY-GM-7-5-3-73-RING-AND-PINION-26-SPLINE-POSI-MEGA-GEAR-PKG-/332108526529?nav=SEARCH

If we have any board sponsors who can beat this deal? Please let me know.

I look forward to you sharing your thoughts.

John in RI

iTrader: (167)

700R4 = 3.42
T5 = 3.73
T56 = 4.11

I've used each of those - and many other - configurations; that's the highest gear for each tranny in a 'driver car'. Track recommendations would be very dependent on many factors to get the best 'match' for a specific set-up.

Just my opinion......

articwhiteZ

iTrader: (56)

4.11 just run 27/28 inch tall tires....like 275.60.15

GeneralDisorder

iTrader: (1)

I only had the 3.70 option (easily available) for my 9 bolt. I really enjoy it with my 3000 stall 700R4 race trans.

I think 4.11 would be too low. Mine has trouble not being stupid in the rain (live in Oregon so it's most of year) - stock 305 LB9 (TPI). And the freeway cruise is as high as I would want it. 2500 to 3000. I have a non locking converter though also.

GD

dmccain

iTrader: (2)

I like my 3.73s and it didn't hurt my gas mileage as much as one would think going from 2.73s. I still get over 25mpg. In saying that I would rather have the 3.42s with the 700r4. 4.11s are a lil much unless you have a 5spd.

big gear head

I've got to recommend upgrading the axles at this time. If you are going to spend money upgrading all of the other parts in the rear end then this is the time to get rid of those tiny 26 spline axles and upgrade to 28 spline axles.

GeneralDisorder

iTrader: (1)

If you are going to do gears and posi, get a torsen and some Yukon gears and 28 spline axles.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Eaton-Detroi...NXikVK&vxp=mtr

GD

midias

3.73 I loved them in my T5. Went to 3.42 to get a little more on the expressway kinda miss my 3.73

Ja85z28

I am leaning towards the 3:73 gears. However, because my Z28 was originally 3:08 geared the T-5 has a .65 5th gear, but I have my reservations about this transmission lasting much longer.

I genuinely appreciate everyone's input.

midias

The .65 in 3.73 is a good match. My first T5 had the ~.72 with 3.73 it was a bit much on the expressway although passing was fairly easy. I think you will be happy with 3.73.

If the t5 does not last and you go t56 3.73 will still be fine think most LS1s came with 3.42

Tibo

iTrader: (15)

I had 3.42 with my T-5, I would only go with 3.73 if this wasn't your daily driver and you didn't drive long distances on the highway. I wouldn't get 4.11 unless you know it will seldom be used on the highway.

Ja85z28

I live in Texas and everything is spread out. Plus it is hot 8-9 months of the year in the Rio Grande Valley. I was always leaning 3:73, but interested in opinions.

Thanks again for your assistance with my decision.

someone972

iTrader: (2)

So for people with a high horsepower engine and 700r4, what would be the best ratio for a daily driver? Likely out of 3.23, 3.42, 3.73. Lets assume a bit of a lower stall, something in the 2600 to 3200 range if that matters.

Ja85z28

Sometimes it is a matter of personal preference, but you should always take into consideration the recommendations found in the "cam profile" written by the manufacturer.

GeneralDisorder

iTrader: (1)

How high of HP?

It entirely depends on what you are doing with it and how much HP you have to play with.

Generally speaking, the more torque you have, the higher you will need the gears to be to limit the torque to the wheels or you will just wreck tires and make lots of smoke. But then again that's what some people want. Also tire/wheel size, and grip play a role here.

For near stock HP 305, a 3.73, etc is very nice IMO (but it's an opinion mind), and for a stock 350, 3.42's are pretty good.

As for converter stall speed - it should to be tuned to your power band. But again there's a lot of opinion. Some people say the S-10 2200 stall is great. I have a 3000 non-locking converter and a race prepped 700R4 and I think it's perfect *for me*. My woman won't drive the car now - too violent and scary for her. So it's not for everyone. I've heard it said that no one buys a high enough stall the first time around - leaving most regretting they didn't get the 3000, 3400.... whatever over what they bought. I was considering the 2200 - 2800 and then this trans fell in my lap for an unbeatable price already equipped with a 3000. I'm not regretting the stall speed or lack of lock up at all. The way I drive I get 10 MPG but I DID NOT build this car for economy. I work 10 minutes from home at my own business so it doesn't make a bit of difference to me. Not part of my equation at all.

GD

big gear head

He has a 5 speed manual transmission.

GeneralDisorder

iTrader: (1)

Sorry I was answering the guy that asked about his 700R4. Probably should have told him to start his own thread.

GD

big gear head

Yeah, it can get confusing when they do that.

someone972

iTrader: (2)

Yeah, I hate those guys .

Was just curious and since it looked like the OP had his question answered I asked here since I wasn't going to make a new thread for something I had just a passing curiosity about. Given some of the other information in this thread that already got posted surrounding 700r4s I felt it was relevant enough to not need a new thread. Thanks for the answers though .