Trevor @ Texas Speed & Perf.

iTrader: (3)

I had a set of 3.73:1 gears swapped in last November to take the place of the 3.23:1 stockers. I've been to the track 5 or 6 different times since then, so I've had plenty of passes to see where my average 60' times are at with the steeper gears. I can honestly say that the 3.73's have NOT helped my 60' one bit, and that's not an exaggeration. Yesterday, I was pulling consistent 1.69 60' times. I thought, when I had the stock suspension, that maybe my suspension was unloading since I could see it bounce after the launch, but it obviously wasn't affecting it. Yesterday I tried out the adjustable Hal struts and LCA relocation brackets, and the car's weight transfer and traction are MUCH improved. I set the struts on #2 yesterday, and it would transfer the weight perfectly on every pass, no matter what RPM I launched at. It wouldn't do this before. Anyways, my best 60' w/ the 3.23's was a 1.689, and my best w/ the 3.73's to date is a 1.660. The weather was pretty nice that day, so I feel that I would've pulled the same 60' w/ the 3.23's in place. The gears still help down the track since my shift extensions are now at 5,000 RPM w/ the new gears in place. However, this does not make up for enough ET to warrant the cost of a gear swap IMO. Just look at the number of guys pulling 1.5 60' times on 3.23's. I think that the 3.73's will be a nice addition for a good cam, heads/cam, etc. If you're going to stay w/ a stock-internal LS1, I would just stick with your stock 3.23's. If you have a set of 2.73's in place and are looking to swap out, I'd go to 3.23's. You can buy them cheap, and your dealer can reprogram for them. I lost 2.5-3 MPG on the highway w/ the gear swap. I consistently get around 22.5 MPG at 70 MPH w/ the 3.73's in place.
3.73's might be a nice addition if you're going to delve into the engine, but as stated before by others, they're not worth much with stock internals. It's a good thing that I'm looking at a cam swap soon. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" /> I just wanted to mention this since there seem to be quite a few questions on gear swaps for A4's.

<small>[ March 17, 2002, 09:46 AM: Message edited by: Trevor D ]</small>

onfire

iTrader: (17)

Great info!

Loco

I just switched to 3.73s recently and I didnt improve either but it was because of lack of traction. I was hitting 1.6s pretty consistently with 3.23s but now I hit 1.7s and 1.8s all the time.

Trevor @ Texas Speed & Perf.

iTrader: (3)

Loco - I agree that it hits the tires harder, and that's what has me a little confused. I, too, had traction problems when I was at RCR last time on ET Streets. Maybe what we're seeing from the added traction problems is from the engine spinning up much quicker than it was with the 3.23's. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" />
I think my next swap is going to be to a TP4400. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" /> I'm ready to see some great 60' times. I HIGHLY recommend the Hal struts with stock springs! The weight transfer is AWESOME, and it will definitely help you out with your traction problems.

Amarillo3

My 60 ft. did not improve much going to 3.73's but I did drop .2 in the 1/4. I ran 4.10's in my last TA and did not get enough track time to know how much they helped. I will run 4.10's with my new setup and try and gauge how much it helps.
Eric

Lane

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the info Trevor. You up for HRP this weekend? We didn't go this last time, but we are heading down there this Saturday late afternoon.

<----sticking with 3.23's for now.

AndUAndI

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"> 3.73's will be a nice addition for a good cam, heads/cam, etc. </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">You're probably right, but the gears will make my new PT4000 much more drivable.

I still think the halloween orange paint is too heavy. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

Check my separate email.

2000LS1Z28

I do think 3.73's would be worth it if someone is coming from a 2.73 car. Or at least 3.42's. But you are totally right that it is not at all worth the cost to go from 3.23's to 3.73's in an A4 unless of course your building up the motor. I'll stick with my 3.23's as well.

Mike

99FireTA

Thanks for sharing the info... I was contemplating a swap like that also. Will think twice now, seeing as how the internal engine mods will have to wait until the payment book expires! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

Ragtop 99

iTrader: (7)

I gained about .05 in the 60' with the swap and about .08 - .1 overall. My car is heavy so maybe the gears did more for me.

I swapped because I was getting tired of a 4000 stall on 3.23s in a heavy car.

98TAauto

iTrader: (2)

great info... i debated the 3.73's but i didnt see where it was worth the cash(maybe some whine). If someone is switching out from 2.73's sure maybe put the 3.73's in.. but 3.23's are the best all around <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

Patrick G

iTrader: (14)

LOL, I've been preaching this for two years. Good info Trevor. The 3.73 gears are best suited for street racing from a roll. 3.23 gears seem to ET within .05 of 3.73 gears when you have a good converter.

Trevor @ Texas Speed & Perf.

iTrader: (3)

LOL Patrick Yeah, I know how you've always said that 3.23's will work just fine in the 1/4. I had to try it for myself, and I knew that I'd eventually delve into the engine to make it worth it.
Lane - I think I'm gonna sit this one out for HRP. I've been running a lot, so I think I'll just enjoy the weekend here. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" /> Thanks for letting me know, though.
Joel - I definitely agree that the steeper gears will help for drivability of those larger converters. It made my Vig 3200 even tamer than it was! They'll work well with the TP4400 that's shipping out next week. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> I'm getting a deal on a refurbished one since a certain someone upgraded. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />