Will the change from the standard 3.55 to 3.73 be a wothwhile investment?

Will there be a dramtic change in the low end performance?

 

John

Seems I started this back in June of 1999, not sure if I was the first to do this. It's my opinion that this should be the very first modification a Lightning Owner does who is looking for performance. It is well worth the $$$. I think Wyldman and maybe a few others will give testimony to this shortly.

[This message has been edited by 1BADTK (edited 04-25-2000).]

 

Thanks, 1BADTK

I'm looking into it but am hesitant if the change will not improve much.

 

Just out of curiosity, why not go for the 4.10 gears? Wouldn't those give you even more low end power?

 

Just out of curiosity, why not go for the 4.10 gears? Wouldn't those give you even more low end power?

 

Problem with 4.10s is if you have drag radials or slicks you might have a harder time reaching the higher mphs at the track. I think my next mod after I get my hood installed will be 3.73 gears from the dealer.

Mike

 

The thing I have wondered is that if its hard enough hooking up off the line with the standard 3.55's, doesn't it obviously make it that much harder w/3.73's? I would assume the answer to be yes, but then that would lead me to believe that it would pull stronger after wheelspin to be able to make up for the loss.
With the 3.73's, does that make it pull harder when crusing at 25-30 and then going to WOT and only having it downshift to 2nd?

 

Guys
Gear change alone is not gona make hooking up any eaiser. Wheel spin with street tires will be easier to do. Drag radials or slicks alone will not cure the problem either. The gear only makes it eaiser to reach max HP and torque, and quicker. The 4:10 is also a great choice but I drive my truck everyday and did not want to spin the motor that hard all the time. The 3:73 make about a 200-250 RPM change at all speeds (approx). The only way I have been able to get any real LAUNCH success is by adding the drag shocks and setting the for max weight transfer. This has allowed me to bring the RPM up to 1200-1500 and leave with more power, weight transfers to the rear and Launch is achieved. The 3:73 just wakes up this motor as much as the chip or pulley does. It is truly a great option and performance enhancer.