Can someone tell me the benifit of 3.55 gears?

[djemcee]

I'm not super knowlegable when it comes to gears. I know one size may give more torque but less top end and vise versa. But what does a 3.55 rear end in a 2002 rt/10 do. What will the gear / mph ratio do, increase or decrease?

Thanks Chris

 

[Hisserman]

djemcee --

Search on the site and you will find several long threads on this topic. The general rule is that the higher the number, the lower the gear ratio. A lower ratio will give you a quicker torque wrap in each gear, but will lower your overall top end and decrease your gas mileage.

In lay terms you will feel a quicker acceleration when you hit the throttle, but you likely won't run any faster in the quarter mile or top end. Many Viper owners like to gear down a little (ie, 3.55) for more seat of the pants feel on the street, including stronger initial pull in 5th and 6th gears.

 

[Newport Viper]

RedSled took me for a ride in his old 94 with gears. On each shift my head bounced off the passager seat!

I new I had to get the gears....

Talk about neck snappin acceleration!

 

[AG98RT10]

I've read thru most of the threads and can only say that I don't see how you could NOT have better quarter mile times with 3.54s. They are torque multipliers (that's right, they put down more torque) which can't help but make you quicker. First and second go by so fast in my RT it's like shifting an Indy car. By contrast, I drove a stock SRT-10 and it felt sluggish. Unless you really need to go more than 165 mph or so, I just can't see any reason to not change the gears. Only possibly if you're going for really big HP (big blower or twin turbo).
Also, I get 16-18 mpg on highway. Sixth gear is now usable above 60 mph.

 

[2002_Viper_GTS_ACR]

But what does a 3.55 rear end in a 2002 rt/10 do.

Wheel spin.

 

[Hisserman]

One of the reasons that you can wind up going slower in the quarter mile is that you will have to shift one more time -- because you go through the gears quicker. For rolling runs on the street though, the lower gears will give you some smiles!

 

[AG98RT10]

From what I've read, you'll be into fourth gear with stock rear, too. Power falls off a the red line in third, so you'll run better if you shift no matter which gear.
Also, you WILL need better rubber than Pilot Sports when you change rears.

 

[rcdice]

"Also, you WILL need better rubber than Pilot Sports when you change rears"

What's the best way to go here for the street? Kumos only come in 17", correct? Are Pilot Cups any better? I'd like to put something stickier on the rear wheels but would still want them street legal. What are the options in 18"?

 

[RedGTS]

What's the best way to go here for the street? Kumos only come in 17", correct? Are Pilot Cups any better? I'd like to put something stickier on the rear wheels but would still want them street legal. What are the options in 18"?

18" Kumho V700's are in very limited supply. I think JonB and/or TireRack just got a few more in last week, so you may want to call one of them tomorrow.

 

[AG98RT10]

I can recommend the V700's and hear they're available in 18 - it'd be worth it to get them even if you have to order from overseas. Others may know of additional options, such as the Michelin tires that are super sticky (forget what they're called.)
Also, have a four wheel alignment done! My rear was out of toe just slightly and that was contributing to it going sideways when it lost traction at 75 mph shifting into third. That is a very scary thing to have happen on a two-lane blacktop with trees all around.

 

[2002_Viper_GTS_ACR]

FYI, the 1/4 mile comes to an end in 4th gear, in BOTH the stock 3.07 and 3.55. I should know, I drag raced my car with BOTH. Identical set up. No gain in times with the 3.55's

They feel quicker, they let you do burn outs a lot easier, but they are harder to hook up (if you have a few mods, like I had about 430hp and 475 tq at the time).

Jon

 

[AG98RT10]

Jon, what you are saying is counter-intuitive to me. Did you try putting on some decent tires on the rear? It just doesn't make sense that with a couple hundred foot pounds more torque that you couldn't run faster. I have NO problem with traction now, I and I'm putting down about 430 RWHP. Can't wait to get on a track and test a real quarter, but I'd just about bet no stock rear would run with a 3.55, given adequate traction in the 3.55. But you're not the first person to report this, so you may be right. Just gotta wonder if these folks tried Kumhos or were slipping and sliding through the gears with the 3.55

 

[1TONY1]

IMO, Better street drivability is the best reason for 3.55's. Easier take off, better on the freeway. Maybe not quicker from a roll, maybe not quicker at the strip. The only disadvantage is if you start running faster than a 10.50 at the strip, then you are looking at 5th gear. I still went 10.41 using 5th but it did kill the mph.