tbfirebird

Whats the biggest difference between 3.42 and 3.23 because i have the 3.23 but alot of people say that i should get 3.42.
So is there really a big difference im guessing that the 1/4 mile time would be a tenth or 2 slower if i used the 3.23

Cuno

If you are going to swap out gears, you will want to go with 3.73 gears from the 3.23 or you will not really notice a difference. I'm not sure how much of a track difference there would be...most likely not enough to make it worth while to swap in some 3.42 gears.

82camaro

The only difference between 3.23's and 3.42's is the ratio.

85TPI400

I think the people telling you to swap are wrong, It would not be worth the time or money swapping to the 3.42s. You would see very little gain from doing so.

tbfirebird

think im just going to go with 3.42 i think it would make a difference because off the line a v6 xlt ford ranger 2001 got me for 3-4 seconds but them my v8 power pulled way past her.

91Z28-350

http://www.f-body.org/gears/

You want the gears to keep you in your powerband. This chart will give you an idea of what your speeds will be at given RPMs.

Frik92RS

I went from 2.73 to 3.23 and when I did most people told me that I should've installed 3.42s. My opinion is that unless you are going from 2.73 the difference is not noticable for the cost of a gear change. Also, going with 3.73 like a lot of people will tell you to do would be a great gain for the track, but if your car is a daily driver and you like to cruise above 65 the 3.73s are a little too tall for you, that's why I went with 3.23, I like to cruise fast.

I actually almost miss the cruising at 100-110 with the 2.73s, hehe don't tell the cops

jeffs82z28

I had 3.23s' in my Z, but I went to the 3.42 and I like it a whole lot better.
IMHO, stay away from the 3.73 unless you have an overdrive trans.

My acceleration improved without sacrificing much top end.
I still cruise at 110 @ 5000 rpm. (some times when I've got a wild hair, I'll wind it up to about 125, but the motor is twisting almost 6000 rpm.

If you have the cash or parts and you want to improve the acceleration without sacrificing top end, go for it, I did and havn't regretted it.

But that is just my opinion, and I could be wrong