Changing rear gear ratio
09-02-2003, 03:42 PM
#1
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Changing rear gear ratio
My corvette has the 3.08 rear end and is an absolute dog off the line I would like to change to a 3.73 rear gear. How hard is this swap and what do I need to buy to get this done right. I know the speedometer gear will have to be changed as well, what is the right speedo gear for 3.73 gears?
Thanks :thumbs:
Thanks :thumbs:
09-02-2003, 04:37 PM
#2
Tech Contributor
Re: Changing rear gear ratio (red76vette)
I used a 22 tooth speedo gear for 373's. The GM gear is 3:70 but it shouldn't make a difference. What are you planning on doing? You can buy the gears and rebuild kit but you'll need a good press, in/lb dial torque wrench, ft/lb torque wrench,and engine stand to do the work. If you're only going to do this once then have a shop do it for you.
Gary
Gary
09-02-2003, 04:59 PM
#3
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Re: Changing rear gear ratio (gtr1999)
:iagree:
Either get a shop to set it up for you or purchase a complete pumpkin with the rearend already setup. This is probably a lot more expensive but it will give you the option of easily going back to 3.08 with a simple pumpkin swap.
Either get a shop to set it up for you or purchase a complete pumpkin with the rearend already setup. This is probably a lot more expensive but it will give you the option of easily going back to 3.08 with a simple pumpkin swap.
09-02-2003, 05:05 PM
#4
Team Owner
Re: Changing rear gear ratio (Smokehouse69)
It is a pretty easy swap.......You should be able to remove everything pretty much by yourself my buddy and I did they swap in an afternoon. I went with richmond 3:73's from the 3:08's and it made a very nice improvement :cheers:
09-02-2003, 06:48 PM
#5
Drifting
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Re: Changing rear gear ratio (red76vette)
You will notice a difference with 3.73s for sure!
You are giving up 75 mph cruisin' on the highway though. Well, either that or your hearing.
You are giving up 75 mph cruisin' on the highway though. Well, either that or your hearing.
09-02-2003, 06:59 PM
#6
Race Director
Re: Changing rear gear ratio (Jack71)
I made the swap from 3.08 to 3.70's and the difference was noticeable. I felt it mostly in the 50-100mph range but overall its quicker. I can still drive on the hiway but your RPM's will be a bit higher. :cheers:
09-02-2003, 08:46 PM
#7
Team Owner
Re: Changing rear gear ratio (Jack71)
You will notice a difference with 3.73s for sure!
You are giving up 75 mph cruisin' on the highway though. Well, either that or your hearing.
You are giving up 75 mph cruisin' on the highway though. Well, either that or your hearing.
09-02-2003, 10:47 PM
#8
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Re: Changing rear gear ratio (Alwyn678)
Alwyn678: You must not have chambered pipes then, huh? LOL. My rear end is a 3.55, and I'm turning 3K at 70 mph......sure glad I dont have Side Pipes....... :jester
09-03-2003, 12:14 AM
#9
Melting Slicks
Re: Changing rear gear ratio (tnt76vette)
I know...I've got side pipes. Those things are pretty loud. That's why I still have the original working Wonderbar radio. Can't hear a stereo anyway, so who cares? I can at least listen to it when I'm parked.
The steep gear ratio becomes absolutely necessary when you get a bigger cam. Otherwise you get stuck in the lower rpm's taking off where your cam is way out of its powerband, and you have to play with the throttle too much.
The steep gear ratio becomes absolutely necessary when you get a bigger cam. Otherwise you get stuck in the lower rpm's taking off where your cam is way out of its powerband, and you have to play with the throttle too much.