I need to upgrade my 2.73s but 3.42s are more expensive and harder to find than 3.23s. I'll be doing a T-56 swap within a few months. Is it worth it to hold out for 3.42s?

I want to get a whole new axle so I can also get disk brakes. i thought about gettin 3.23s and having 3.42 gears put in but I think it'd be more expensive than holding out for 3.42s.

 

To really take advantage of the T-56, you need to run a 4.10 gear. This would mean swapping out your two-series carrier for a three series. This will give you the best of both worlds, awesome launch and great cruising in 6th. do a search on the drivetrain board, there's a ton of info on this.

JD

 

Depends on what T-56 you get. the aftermarket an 93 boxes have a .62 6th gear so 3.73's are prefered but 3.42's are a better choice for a car that sees alot of highway miles. For a 94-97 4th gen box 4.10's as stated are prefered.

 

I'm doing a t56 swap as well, and I chose to stay with the 3.42 gears instead of going to 3.73 or 4.11, because given the power band of my engine (max hp around 5200, I dont want to spin it more then 5500) I'd have to shift into 5th just before the 1.4 was up. With 3.42 I can pull 4th gear up to like 120 mph as opposed to 100ish with 4.11s.

Would I be better off to go with 4.11s and shift into 5th just before the finish? I know lots and lots of 4thgen guys run 4.11s

 

Excellent point. When I reccomended the 4.10's, I was thinking of the LS1's powerband . for the LTR application, 3.73's or 3.42's would be better suited. When gearing your car, keep in mind the following:

Powerband
Intended use
Tire diameter

Lates,
JD