why should i go from 2.73 to 3.42?
10-11-2003, 02:17 AM
#1
TECH Resident
Thread Starter
why should i go from 2.73 to 3.42? i asked this question in the newbie zone,
but..
well that was my mistake
my basic Q is,
what will i gain if i change from 2.73 to 3.42
if i already have a 3400 /2.0 torque converter?
i ask this because
3.42 is supposed to make the rpms climb faster,
resulting in getting to my powerband faster, right?
and dropping less at shift changes,
and seeing the powerband more frequently, right?
i mean, lets say i like ~3500rpm
i will see that w/ 2.73 at ~35mph and then way later at ~70mph, but w/ 3.73 i will get them at ~20mph and again already at ~40mph.
but the 3400 stall already gets me to 3400 and the shift extention keeps the rpm at least at 4700 after shifts
how and why will 3.42 help me?
what will the result be on the 1/4 track?
what about daily driving on the street?
10-11-2003, 08:50 AM
#2
Re: why should i go from 2.73 to 3.42? I did that swap a few months ago, car is diffinatly funner to drive but I am hating the traction problems I have now , its alittle tricky hooking on drag radials now. Track result might be a tenth in the 1/4.
10-11-2003, 07:54 PM
#4
Fiery Features Director
iTrader: (11)
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Houston, Tx
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: why should i go from 2.73 to 3.42? Changing from the 2:73 gears to the 3:42's will increase your torque and make it harder to gain traction. However, if you can put the power down you will definately notice a gain of a couple of tenths in the quarter. Since you are not making a huge jump, you should not see a change in fuel economy.
10-12-2003, 02:18 AM
#5
TECH Enthusiast
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Chicago
Posts: 595
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: why should i go from 2.73 to 3.42? If you've got the tires for it, you may want to even go 3.73 with an auto. I did 4.10 with my m6 and couldn't believe how much difference gears can make. Chirp nittos in second now 
10-12-2003, 09:24 PM
#6
TECH Resident
Thread Starter
Re: why should i go from 2.73 to 3.42? with an M6 i can understand,
because your RPMs will drop less when you upshift
but with my A4,
the 3400 TC doesnt let the rpm drop below 4700 when upshifting.
i dont know why it is,
and if someone could explain why that would be great, but i am considering getting them anyway and just switching back if i am not happy.
i suppose there will be plenty M6ers who want to sell their old 3.42 they tossed for 4.10?
Trending Topics
10-16-2003, 04:53 PM
#8
TECH Resident
Thread Starter
Re: why should i go from 2.73 to 3.42? what do you mean my converter?
why my converter?
is it because it is high stall?
(compared to stock?)
is it because it is low stall?
(compared to the on/off switch you call a verter in your car?)
later on i plan to get a 3800 with AT LEAST 2.55 STR
so would that high stall and very high shift extention be of more benefit then 3.42s could offer?
10-16-2003, 08:01 PM
#9
Re: why should i go from 2.73 to 3.42? When you have over 3000 stall, the gain from gears is not very large. Cars with a stock stall see more gain from gears because they the line well below the powerband of an LS1 motor. Gears allow them to get into the powerband faster. Your 3400 stall drops you into a much better powerband than stock which leaves the line down at 1800 rpm.
10-17-2003, 02:09 PM
#10
Teching In
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: why should i go from 2.73 to 3.42? If youre going to spend the cash get 3.73 Ive had mine in for about 500 miles. third gear is a huge difference. Gas milage is fine too. i think i run 300rpm higher at 80MPH (2600).
Tom
Tom
10-17-2003, 05:02 PM
#11
LS1Tech Co-Founder
iTrader: (34)
Re: why should i go from 2.73 to 3.42? It's all about going fast.
The car that gets to, and stays in, it's powerband the most wins the race.
In the GRAND scheme of things, gearing is important.
But in the specific case of an LS1 A4, the converter choice is more important because the powerband is so high. But with the stock 3.06 first gear in the tranny the 1st gear actual gearing is not horrible.
The car that gets to, and stays in, it's powerband the most wins the race.
In the GRAND scheme of things, gearing is important.
But in the specific case of an LS1 A4, the converter choice is more important because the powerband is so high. But with the stock 3.06 first gear in the tranny the 1st gear actual gearing is not horrible.
10-18-2003, 05:22 PM
#12
Re: why should i go from 2.73 to 3.42? "Why should i go from 273 to 342's??
Because your car is a slug with those gears!
Hell, you could'nt spin on ice!
How do i know? Because i am in the same dillema!
I am getting ready to have the 342's put in my car as well. I hate the 273's!!
Almost as bad as the 259's in my 93 corvette!!
Good luck!
Because your car is a slug with those gears!
Hell, you could'nt spin on ice!
How do i know? Because i am in the same dillema!
I am getting ready to have the 342's put in my car as well. I hate the 273's!!
Almost as bad as the 259's in my 93 corvette!!
Good luck!
10-18-2003, 08:52 PM
#13
On The Tree
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Texas
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: why should i go from 2.73 to 3.42? I have 2.73s ,and my car will get sidways at a 40 punch. I would go with 3.42 they will tighten up your stall and help on highway punches. 
10-19-2003, 03:12 AM
#15
TECH Resident
Thread Starter
Re: why should i go from 2.73 to 3.42? better highway punches?
if that is over a 3800 stall
(that is my next stall)
im sold!
if the ~80mph rpm arent too high,
ill get 3.73
oh oh!
if no one posts a back to back difference,
ill buy 3.73 after the 3800,
bust a quarter,
swap em at the track,
document the difference
after getting used to them.
if it isnt worth it,
ill sell em on this board under a different name,
then post my numbers after the sale.
