Okay, I know this is gonna sound like a total newbie question, but I always thought I understood gearing and now I'm not so sure. I know if I change to a lower(numerically higher) ratio, I will gain off the line but lose top end. My question is, for STRICTLY off-the-line performance is lower always better, or no? For instance, if I had 3.42s, would my friend with the exact same car with say 4.11s theoretically be quicker than me? Or would you benefit more from numerically lower gears and more hp? I live in the city and it's pretty much all light-to-light street racing around here- don't get a chance to top out very often. Anyways thanx for any replies

 

In ideal conditions the numerically higher gearing will always be better off-the line performance. But in real life if you're geared at 4.11 you're might to lose traction, and the guy with 3.42's will come out ahead. If your car grips the road nicely with your current gears its safe to say that you will benefit from better gearing, but if you spin off the line, you'll just sit smoking them while the other guy is getting away.

 

Deeper gears will require more skill on the launch, but if done right you will be faster. I wouldn't go past 3.73's.

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350 with stealth intake, holley carb, 470 lift cam. 700r4 with .5 boost valve, vette servo, tci lock-up kit, B&M megashifter. Richmond 3.73 gears, powertrax locker, timkin bearings, synthetic lube. Custom 3 inch single into 2 2.5 pipes. 1 1/2 drop springs, 1 5/16 solid front sway bar, 1 inch rear bar, custom subframe connectors, custom LCA relocation brackets. Kobel ground FX, currant red metallic paint. Lots of other stuff...
82camaro

 

4.11s are too far out of the TPI's powerband, even with a 4 spd trans your fuel economy will drop significantly, your 1/4 mile times will be faster with 3.73's and you might have a problem with overheating with 4.11's and your car will definately not cruise on the highway.