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Best gears recommended for a 5.7 tpi 6 speed?

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Old Sep 28, 2020 | 09:26 PM
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88irocz91rally's Avatar
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From: Covington,Ga
Car: 1988iroc z and 1991 Camaro Rs
Transmission: 4 speed and 5 speex
Best gears recommended for a 5.7 tpi 6 speed?

91 RS 5.7 swap 6 speed currently has 308 gears those gotta go . Was wondering if 342 gears would compliment tpi better or would 370 work better with tpi and 6 speed . Anyone with a similar swap? I know I'd be better off ditching the tpi but I gotta take some short cuts for time and money reasons , thanks.
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Old Sep 28, 2020 | 09:34 PM
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From: NJ
Car: 92 Firebird
Engine: 4.8 LR4
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.45 9 Bolt
Re: Best gears recommended for a 5.7 tpi 6 speed?

I have a 4.8 with a LS T56 and 3.45 rear gears, I think they are the optimal ratio for an everyday use car, as did GM. In the future I do have a set of 3.7 gears to put in it but I may just stay with the 3.45 since I am now planning for a lot more power with a 6.0 I think the 3.45 will still work well.
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Old Sep 28, 2020 | 10:30 PM
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From: South Windsor, CT
Car: '89 GTA
Engine: ZZ6TPI
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Borg Warner 3.70:1
Re: Best gears recommended for a 5.7 tpi 6 speed?

Either would work fine, but I think 3.70’s are a little better match, but definitely no more gear than that. I am doing 3.70’s with a T56 and a ZZ6 350TPI. We’ll see how it is when it’s all together, but it should be right at or slightly past the power peak rpm at the end of the 1/4 mile.

It should be ok on a stock 350TPI as well. 95mph trap speed would be at 4600rpm.

The T56 has a tall 2.66 1st gear, so the 3.70’s should match pretty well. Also, the 0.50 6th gear is better with 3.70’s than 3.42’s.
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Old Sep 30, 2020 | 02:53 PM
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88irocz91rally's Avatar
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From: Covington,Ga
Car: 1988iroc z and 1991 Camaro Rs
Transmission: 4 speed and 5 speex
Re: Best gears recommended for a 5.7 tpi 6 speed?

Right on thanks for the imput got a 9 bolt but it's a 277 from a parts car was thinking about swapping it to 3 series 370 or 345 unless I can find a good used 3 series disc brake rear end somewhere near Ga.
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Old Sep 30, 2020 | 04:59 PM
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From: South Windsor, CT
Car: '89 GTA
Engine: ZZ6TPI
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Borg Warner 3.70:1
Re: Best gears recommended for a 5.7 tpi 6 speed?

Originally Posted by 88irocz91rally
Right on thanks for the input got a 9 bolt but it's a 277 from a parts car was thinking about swapping it to 3 series 370 or 345 unless I can find a good used 3 series disc brake rear end somewhere near Ga.
Building a 9-bolt is a lot more expensive than a 10-bolt, especially since you will need to source a 3-series carrier. I built my 9-bolt with 3.70 gears and rebuilt the existing 3-series carrier. It's done and it will be fine, but I kind of wish I just bought a whole new rear end assembly.

You could just rebuild/upgrade your existing 10-bolt with new posi carrier, gears and bearings for 1/2 the cost to build the 9-bolt. Leave the drum brakes. The 3rd gen rear disc brakes aren't that great anyway.

If you did find a good 3.45 9-bolt or 3.42 10-bolt that was in good shape, I would just run that as is.

Alternatively, there are a few complete brand new rear end assemblies available with whatever gear ratio you want, but they are pretty expensive. After what I spent on the 9-bolt and the time I invested in the rebuild, I kind of wish I just went down this road.
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Old Sep 30, 2020 | 11:30 PM
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From: Hurst, Texas
Car: 1983 G20 Chevy
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 14 bolt with 3.07 gears
Re: Best gears recommended for a 5.7 tpi 6 speed?

4.10 was the common upgrade on the 4th gens with the T-56 although they may overshoot the TPIs power band a little as the LT1 and LS1 both like to spin. 3.90 might not be a bad gear. 3.42 is a bit tall for 6th unless you are cruising 85+. I find it easier to launch with a lower gear less rpm and less abuse on the clutch, less wheel speed if the tires slip which causes you to gain traction more quickly and improves the 60'.

Last edited by Fast355; Sep 30, 2020 at 11:33 PM.
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