Surferd15

iTrader: (20)

I called a local performace place and they said that I need a new carrier if I want to install 3.42s in my 2000 WS6, it has 2.73s now and its an A4. These 3.42s are from a camero and I thought they would fit?? They also mentioned an ABS key?? I think I need to call another shop... they didn't see the parts nor the car I just called to get an estimate.

Question can these gears be installed in my stock 10 bolt??

Thanks.

crazydavez28

iTrader: (5)

if you had 2.73's you have a 2-series carrier. almost anything else would need a 3-series carrier unless the gears were made for a 2-series but it sounds like you already have the gears so the choice is yours...new carrier or gears. if the rear is a 3channel abs then there is a reluctor wheel on the carrier idk if they differ between carriers but they can be removed and reinstalled

ChocoTaco369

If they think you need a new carrier to do a gear swap, call another shop. Save yourself the headache because they don't know what they're talking about. All you need is a "thick gear" - a 2 series gear. Both Richmond and Strange makes 2 series 3.42's for GM 10-bolt's.

For Richmond 3.42's:

http://www.ls1speed.com/cont.cfm?cid=C0000213

You need the following:

Part # RMG4900051

Richmond 3.42 Gear Set -for 2 series carrier $219.99



For Strange 3.42's:

http://www.thunderracing.com/catalog...&vid=3&pcid=67

You need the following:

Part # 23-875342-X

Strange Pro-Street Gears, 3.42 Gear Ratio, 2 series carrier, GM 7.5" 10 bolt rear end $225.00

Surferd15

iTrader: (20)

Thanks guys so I guess a used set of stock 3.42 gears from a Camero is not going to work in my rear-not sure why type of carrier they have? I didn't get the gears yet, good thing.

Camaro_freak

iTrader: (1)

I installed the Strange 3.42's for 2 series carrier into my Camaro and they work great. I got them from Thunder Racing.

TORK?

iTrader: (27)

Some people don't recommend going this route, but if you want to put the 3.42's you already have into your 2 series carrier you can get Motive part # MOT75S which is a spacer that allows you to use those gears.

Personally I just bought some 2 series specific gears.

ChocoTaco369

Nope. DO NOT BUY A SPACER!

If you've ever seen a set of 3-series gears next to a set of 2-series gears, you'll be so happy you have a 2-series carrier. 2-series gears are a lot stronger - they're almost twice as thick!

Johawk

iTrader: (2)

No spacers! The stock 10 bolt really doesent need another weak link. get the 2 series gears. Since they are aftermarket they may be a little more forgiving. If you have the cash, throw in a bearing support cover too. Just my $.02

GreenBlood

iTrader: (6)

not to highjack, but is there a reason you guys are going 3.42 over a 3.73...I have .73s as well and I am looking to get gears soon, but not sure if i should go 3.73 or 3.42

Camaro_freak

iTrader: (1)

I went 3.42 since it spools the turbo quicker than 3.73, because there is more load on the engine. Plus I wanted to retain reasonable gas mileage since it's mostly street driven. The gears have hurt my mileage more than any other mod I've done. I know, I'm sounding like someone driving

Surferd15

iTrader: (20)

Thanks guys!! I was hoping to do this all cheap but since I need to buy new gears for $220 instead of the used 3.42s for $65 and then get someone to install them $200-300 then its going to have to wait for a while. Unless someone is near NJ that can help me and I'll pay.

I was going to go with 3.42s because this is my DD and I didn't want to hurt my gas mileage alot. I read a bunch of posts and alot love the 3.42s and alot love the 3.73s so its personal preference. Anything is better than 2.73s, but not to bother with 3.23s. The 3.42s fit me the best. DD and once in a while going to the track.

Z28/2002

iTrader: (27)

The spacer isn't that bad. I went 6.8Xs in my old Z28 with one and never had a single problem

TORK?

iTrader: (27)

The reason I vote 3.73's is because how everyone says that the jump from 3.23 to 3.42 is pointless. Yea understand that its a bigger increment to go from the 2.73 to 3.42 but the money and time does not justify me to jump to someting that half the stock A4's consider "pointless."

Why would it be pointless for a 3.23 rear to go to 3.42 yet at the same time a 2.73 rear is a good idea to 3.42? Its the same car other than the rear. Just go right to 3.73.

<--- @ 3.42/3.73 battle

ChocoTaco369

I see no point in getting 3.73's. There is almost no performance to be gained, and 3.42's are much better on the highway, have less traction issues and are much better for trap speeds. If you intend to go fast, you're gonna start running out of gear with 3.73's and you'll have to end your pass in overdrive. Big no-no. 3.42's are just a better all around gear. FWIW, I do a pretty even 50/50 mix of highway and city driving and 3.42's helped my mileage after changing from 2.73's. I gained mpg after swapping stock manifolds and 2.73's to LT's and 3.42's - UNTUNED. Even after the header install and gear swap, I'm getting better mileage because these gears are keeping my engine from bogging on cruising and helping me a lot around town. I love them.

Yes, going 3.23 to 3.42 is pretty much pointless, but honestly, if I had 3.23's stock, I wouldn't bother doing a gear swap. 3.23's are a decent gear for the f-body. IMO, it's not worth risking getting a noisy gear set and paying $600 for a gear swap if you have 3.23's. It's only worth it IMO if you have 2.73's since they're just ridiculous. But that's my opinion.

RevGTO

iTrader: (12)

Now that's some interesting logic ... the answer is rather simple. The difference between 3.23's and 3.42's is so slight that there is negligible performance improvement. The difference between 2.73's and 3.42's is much greater, as is the performance improvement.

It's not a matter of 3.73's somehow being the "right" gear. It's a matter of the percentage difference between one gearset and another.
Right.

75TA

Just change the rear in my son's car to 3.42's from 2.73. Made a big difference and still cruises nice on the highway. Now he has traction problems - from a standing start the car just incinerates the tires. Either way you go (3.42 or 3.73), your next step will be looking for traction.

MattIROC

iTrader: (19)

Is a complete rebuild kit necessary from thunder-racing for a 2 series gear?

1999Z28

It's best to have the rebuild kit for new bearings/races, seals, and shims to adjust it properly.

Do 4.10s and be happy, i am.

mikenews

iTrader: (9)

Surferd15, I would check your RPO code on the door first, (as mentioned in the last sticky in the forum and if u want to be sure pull the cover and count the teeth. Hell mine said 41:15 (2.73's) right on the ring gear! 98 camaro with 2.73's series 2 gears.