what gear ratio for street use?

[00prowler]

HI All,I recently bought a 96 gts,plan on s&b filters, smooth tubes,corsa or borla cat back,ripper shifter,would gears add better performance or would I just be baking the tires? I know it would give me a good seat of pants feel,but if I cant get it to hook up,what good is it? How much top speed can I expect to lose with say 3.54s,is there anything in between 3.07 and 3.54 that any one has tried? Keep in mind this will only used for street use! THANKS...00PROWLER...Ready for charge card meltdown!

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

A lot of folks like the 3.45 and 3.55. I've only heard one confirmation of a better ET. Would like to hear more before I make the change. Do a dozen or so 1/4s first and then make the swap and let us know.

 

[King GTS]

With the set-up you're planning, I'd go with the 3.45's. You'll definitely be able to control the power w/ that set-up. I'd add an aluminum fly wheel as well.

 

[JonB]

3:55 for lots of reasons.........no charge card meltdown either!


Your 25-125 is much faster.....
Your 0-25 requires finesse to handle the added transfer
Your top speed is reduced 16%
"Only for street use" you wont miss the 180 mph

Likley under $1000 installed, makes it feel like +70HP.

 

[davisp]

3.55s and forget the alluminum fly wheel. I have the 3.55s on my 97 GTS with all the usual upgrades and I love it. I think it is the perfect gear for street/track. My 2cents. pd

 

[onerareviper]

Yeah. I agree. 3.55's or even 3.73's. I have a 1998 GTS, and all the mods your considering + high-flow cats. I have the 3.73's, AND I CAN HOOK UP THE 18' PILOTS. It is a bullet outta the hole. Just takes some practice and clutch finesse. Do a search on GEARS (Title only). You'll find a wealth of imformation.

Good Luck...

 

[Todd Richmond]

I would stay away from the 3.73s. My 97 GTS came with them and they caused the stock pilots to just about break loose on a full throttle run w/ easy start. You end up shifting constantly and gas mileage blows - my 3.2 liter Acura revs about the same on the freeway.

I just got my car back with head/intake work and expect to have have serious problems keeping hooked up. I may swap my rearend to the 3.45/354

Todd

 

[REDSLED]

Forget the gear swap and go for the dual cup holder upgrade! In the long run it will double your driving experience.

 

[varanus]

You should do a search on this topic as it has been discussed many times at length (really the search feature doesn't hurt..I use it all the time.
I got 3.54 from Jon B at Parts rack.
I am pleased with the results (see my signature). It may be slower-it may be quicker-just depends on what speed range you are running through.
I have taken friends for rides with both my old 3.07 and my present 3.54. They are very impressed with the difference it makes. The fact that you said it's only for street use makes it even a better way to go. having fun is just as much fun as actually being the fastest as it's very responsive on the street. It also sounds better as you will not be lugging at the low rpm on the freeway which is where the dreaded drone occurs.
If you run 1/4 mile-it is possible to be a tad slower because you may have the extra shift,but how often do you run it versus everyday enjoyment on the street.

Call Jon B and talk to him. He'll tell you the pros and cons.