2:73 Vs. 3:08 Rear gear
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Joined: Feb 2008
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2:73 Vs. 3:08 Rear gear
I'm looking for some opinions or guesses on what rear end ratios to run in my '83 with a stock 305 and a 700R4.
This car will be a lowbuck daily driver with just a mildly warmed over smogdog 305 that I just want to have a little fun with on a short budget and still be able to drive somewhat economicly. It won't drag raced (Hah, It would be pathetic!), and reasonable fuel mileage is just as important as adding a little more power and fun factor.
So I have acces to both a 3:08 and a 2:73 rearend out of two different Camaros (the 3:08 is in the car now). Neither one is disc brake or a posi, so other than the gear ratio it's a toss- up about which one to use.
I kind of like the 3:08 ratio that's in the car now for pretty good accelerration (remember this is comparatively speaking, I already know it's definately NOT a race car!), it will spin the one tire almost at will. But before I spend money on a posi upgrade to the rearend, I'm wondering if the 2:73 would give me slightly better fuel mileage without hurting the (relative) acceleration too much, especially if I can free up a little power in the engine with a few simple bolt- on mods. I know that there is not all that much difference between the two ratios, but I'd like to hear from some others that might have driven cars with both ratios to see what they think.
This project is definately low budget, low profile. Big or even medium priced upgrades are just not in the plan at this time. So don't beat up on me too badly,LoL!
You guys with serious engines and deep gears are probably snickering about now!
This car will be a lowbuck daily driver with just a mildly warmed over smogdog 305 that I just want to have a little fun with on a short budget and still be able to drive somewhat economicly. It won't drag raced (Hah, It would be pathetic!), and reasonable fuel mileage is just as important as adding a little more power and fun factor.
So I have acces to both a 3:08 and a 2:73 rearend out of two different Camaros (the 3:08 is in the car now). Neither one is disc brake or a posi, so other than the gear ratio it's a toss- up about which one to use.
I kind of like the 3:08 ratio that's in the car now for pretty good accelerration (remember this is comparatively speaking, I already know it's definately NOT a race car!), it will spin the one tire almost at will. But before I spend money on a posi upgrade to the rearend, I'm wondering if the 2:73 would give me slightly better fuel mileage without hurting the (relative) acceleration too much, especially if I can free up a little power in the engine with a few simple bolt- on mods. I know that there is not all that much difference between the two ratios, but I'd like to hear from some others that might have driven cars with both ratios to see what they think.
This project is definately low budget, low profile. Big or even medium priced upgrades are just not in the plan at this time. So don't beat up on me too badly,LoL!
You guys with serious engines and deep gears are probably snickering about now!
Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 319
Likes: 2
From: Grand Junction, Co
Car: '83 WS6 T/A 65,000 miles
Engine: 5.0L vin H stock, 406SBC right now
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: Corp. 3.73
Re: 2:73 Vs. 3:08 Rear gear
The 2.73 will dog it down unless you like highway speeds. A posi of some sort will help the launch factor, but will stop the one wheel brunouts. You can get a PowerTrax for 3 bills or less and install it in the driveway. You can find power in the carb and heads with only a good grinder and the appropriate bits. Okay...and the know-how to run it.A well planned exhaust with small tube headers and free flow pipe/muffler will help too. (Not to mention a cool exhaust note.)Good luck!
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