matt.martin87

iTrader: (2)

I recently purchased my first Fbody. I picked up a 1998 Trans Am with just over 100k miles on it. After checking the door code to see that I had 323s, I realized something wasn't quite right. While at 2000 RPMs, I noticed my car is only at 60 MPH. According to the sticky, I should be around 67 MPH.

The rear tires are 245/50/16 in case the size of tire could be throwing my speedo off.

Is it possible that an owner before me replaced the stock gears with something bigger than a 3.23?

I should also mention that my car feels pretty weak in comparison to my buddy's 2000 z28 A4 with 3.23s. I can't even break the tires loose WOT from a dig. And that's saying something considering the tires I have are at 5% tread life.

mikey1107

iTrader: (10)

My A4 & 3.73s do about 2K at 60. It is possible they have been changed.

245/50R16 Is the correct size tire for a a trans am in 1998.

The 1998s had some different engine setups compared to the 99 and later models. I think at least the heads,cam and fuel system are different. I also know that tuners say that the computer is harder to program(tune).
Maybe somebody more knowledgeable can shed some light what the exact differences are.

matt.martin87

iTrader: (2)

That's exactly what the calculator I was using said. If I really have 3.73s, there is something holding my car back drastically.
Is it possible that the owner before me swapped gears without tuning the PCM accordingly?

I also guess I could have clogged cats, but my ses light isn't recognizing it if that is, in fact, the problem.

And I just spoke with a shop owner who believes I could have a problem with the converter.

mikey1107

iTrader: (10)

read the info in my edit. The 98s were different. I had a 98 Camaro that felt very sluggish compared to my 99 TA. stock to stock,both were A4's with the same gear stock. not sure why

johnpate01

iTrader: (3)

Put the thing on jackstands and turn the driveshaft until the wheels make a complete revolution. The number of turns the driveshaft makes in your gear ratio.

farmington

iTrader: (14)

Could be the converter isn't locking up.

matt.martin87

iTrader: (2)

After further review, my car does have the stock 3.23 gears. I'm still baffled as to why my RPMs would be so high cruising at 60 MPH.

Perhaps someone tuned the car to shift earlier?

xXSilencerXx

iTrader: (4)

I have a 98 with 3.23's I'm pretty sure it turns 2k at 60 mph. I honestly haven't looked in a long time. I know for a fact it's around 2500 rpm at 80 mph.

wfritts911

iTrader: (2)

Converter not locking up sounds legit. Could always pull the cover and count the teeth just to make sure, it could probably use a fluid change anyways. And make sure your SES light comes on when you first turn the key on, cause i had a 98 chevy that i thought was good, turns out the SES light was burnt out.

-Will

at23520

iTrader: (1)

im in the same boat here, 98 ta, a4, 3.23, 60mph=2k

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

No, however, there could be an issue with tire size here. My car with 3.23s and the converter locked at 68 mph was dead nuts 2k rpm. But thats on the 275/40/17.

mjcotroneo

iTrader: (12)

and this is why i love my 6spd. 6th gear + 2krpms = 89mph

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

^^^ Let's race from a dig