Hey guys, I am picking up an LS1 next week and I will be doing the gears and converter ASAP. I would like to know what you guys paid for a gear install and a converter install. I think I will go with the cheapest converter out there because I don't want to throw down $700 for a Yank or Vig right after buying the car. Also, what other stuff do you suggest doing at the same time? Is there anyhing they can do to beef up that rear while they are in there? Will the car hook on the street at all in first gear with 3.73's and a converter? I will be running drag radials at the track. Remember, I'm an ex-Mustang guy crossing the line here and I don't know about this GM rear end stuff. The Mustang guys say the GM rears pop like a cherry on prom night. <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0"> I see this cover thing in Summit for $130 that says it adds support and they make one for the 7.5". Someone give me some heads up here and an estimate on what this all will cost. Thanks guys. <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">

 

I'm not real awake yet but I'll give it a shot:
I paid a dealer $250 for a converter install.
If you're gonna buy a converter, get a good one right off, IMO.
Not much can be done to the rear, although the stiffer cover may help. Not as much a problem with the A4.
I can't hook on street radials very well with a 2.73 and my converter.

 

Expect to pay 250-300$ for a converter install.

Save the $$ and buy a good Yank (or Vig) converter. You don't wanna spend another 300$ to swap it later when you realize the cheap one you bought is a POS.

I only paid 650 for my Yank3000. 3000 stall, 2.0 str.

Don't bother with gears until you start running out of things to make you faster. The taller ratios are weaker and more prone to noise, and will cost you over 500$ installed.

With my stock 3.23s and Yank3000, I don't have a prayer of ever hooking up on street tires. Spins em to 50-55mph with just minor bolt ons. With a bigger converter and 3.73s? Forget it. You'd need ET streets minimum at the track, and whatever you can handle on the street <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">

Dope

 

DO NOT buy a cheap converter. You'll get little gain compared to a Yank or Vig and what are you really going to save ?? a couple hundred bucks, not worth it IMO. Just wait on the gears for now - they are not necessary and will only gain you a max of .1 in the 1/4 mile compared to gainaing .5 or more with a good converter. You should also get Nitto DR's for the rear tires and then you'll be all set.

Costs: Yank ST3500 or Vig 2800/3200 = $700-750 approx.
Converter install = $300-325 approx.
Nitto DR's = $ 350-375 installed

Total would be under $1500 for the above and you will get a almost GURANTEED .5 or more 1/4 mile improvement.

Gears alon will cost roughly $600-700 including install and you get .1 MAXIMUM improvement in the 1/4. It's a waste of money except in certain cases.

- Mitch

 

Thanks a LOT for the replies guys. I was going to throw down for gears because I thought I needed them and the backyard mechanic that did my Mustang said I should do them before a converter. Idiot. <img src="graemlins/gr_punch.gif" border="0" alt="[fight]" /> I'm glad I found this site. Anyhow, the two cars I've narrowed it down to are a '98 Trans Am and a '99 SS. Both are A4 cars and both are stone stock. To tell ya the truth I think the T/A may have felt slightly (very slightly) faster. I didn't drive them back to back so I really don't know. Is it possible that the Z28 has 2.73's and the T/A has 3.2? or 3.42's? Can someone give me a breakdown to the gears with the A4 and M6? I'm picking one of the two up on monday and if one has 3.?? and the other has 2.73's and it wouldn't need a gear swap that'll make my decision as to which one to buy. Thanks guys.

 

All M6s come with 3.42 gears.
A4s are 2.73 standard, 3.23 performance axle.
Look at the drivers side door plate and look for these codes to tell what kind of axle ratio it came with:
GU2 - 2.73
GU4 - 3.08 (V6 A4)
GU5 - 3.23
GU6 - 3.42

Edit: Also some V6 A4s come with 3.42s

[ February 10, 2002: Message edited by: gwj ]</p>

 

dalswon,

If the SS is a legitimate one, it will have 3.23 gears. The TA could have 2.73 or 3.23. Only M6 tranny come with 3.42 gears.

Personally, I'd get the SS becasue I see fewer of them on the road and I like the looks of the hood better. however, I think the TA has better interior and I like the ground effects. I bought the 01 SS cause I just loved the hood and more stealthy looks. I just bought ground effects to have painted and installed - it should look wicked then ! They should both perform the same though - of course their is often a difference from engine to engine in performance.

Good luck,
Mitch R.