I've got 3.73's in my 98 A4 Z28 and I love em.

I run about 2600 RPM at 70 MPH with the verter locked. I get a little less mileage but the torque difference is worth it.

I payed 165 for the gear set and installation kit.
Of course I shoulda just bought the gears and had someone do it.

If I ha it to do all over again I think I woulda went with 3.42's but then again I am gettin old. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

If you want to make sure you dont have any whine from the rear go with GM gears.

Later, Stu

 

Thanks! Stu,did you pay 165 with installation?Did you keep your ABS?Did you have your speedo re-calibrated?Anybody else out there?What is the best brand of gears besides GM?I am very cost conscious.Of course if I can get them installed for 165 I'd be extremely satisfied.My last expierience working on a rear end was a nightmare so I not going to do it myself.

 

New aftermarket gears, $175
New GM gears, $350
Basic install kit, $30
If you want to change all the bearings, then you will need a Master install kit, $100
Since your car is a 02, you can probably reuse the existing bearings and the Basic install kit will be OK.
Install, $175-$250
You will need a HPP3 or LS1 Edit to correct the speedo. SLP sells a speedo calibrator, but I have no experience with it.
If you presently have 2.73's, you will need a 3 series carrier, $100
If you do not have ASR and do have 2.73's, you will need a 3 series reluctor ring, $25
If you presently have 3.23's, you're existing carrier wil work with 3.73's.
Gear changes have no effect on ABS

 

If you run 110 mi per day on the highway, I would keep your current gears. Do you have a high stall converter? If not, do that first. It gives a great boost in performance and will have zero negative impact on highway mileage and noise.

 

I'd like to install 3.73s in my `02 Z.I drive this car every day and do a good amount of hwy miles (110 mi.6 days a week),and I was wondering if it would be wise to go with this ratio or something a little less steep.I also would like to know what parts and installation would cost for a gear swap.I want to keep ABS.I don't race at the track,just some occasional street racing so I don't think I'll break the crappy stock 10 bolt.My car is an A4 1SC Z28 with bolt ons.All info appreciated.

 

Sounds like a good set up. I dont think you will really have any worries about those gears. You always have overdrive for gas mileage.

 

I really like them, but they're probably my limit in this car. I think that if I were doing that much highway driving (did you say 660 mi/week?) I wouldn't do the 3.73s, probably would have stuck with my 3.15s. I do maybe 100 highway mi /week and don't even think twice about it. Longer trips can get a little tiring, especially if you have a loud exhaust. Can't speak to cost as I'm unfamiliar with the F-body. Sounds like you would get off much cheaper than I did though... <img border="0" alt="[whiner]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_cry.gif" />

I agre with Ragtop that a converter might be a more attractive option. Depending on how loose it is you may have noise issues (elevated RPM at lower speeds) with a converter as well.

 

Cost is always ann issue. FIRST get a 3000-3500Stall converter before any gears.
My gears cost series 2 strange 3.73's $220
fluids $30
master install kit $100
TA girdle $160
stud kit $10
Ls1 edit $375 (dont NEED but worth it)
Getting them done today prolly $280 to install!

But I also have a lil truck to drive around.

 

Well I also have an A4 and I started with 3:23 then upgraded to 12 bolt 3:42 (2100rpm @ 70mph) I went to a larger cam and s2 heads and found myself 400rpm outside my powerband so I have gone to 3:90 (2500 rpm @ 70mph) they have a lot more whine and the mileage is down 4mpg but then again I was not building a MPG car I was building an 11sec ride <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> I have to agree that if you want more zip off the line a converter is a better choice without giving up the MPG on the highway.

 

Definitely do the converter first. Don't go too small though on the stall. I'd suggest a VIG3200 or Yank TP4000 or TCI Super Street Fighter 3500. Everyone has there own opinions on all these converters but I think you'll be happy with any of the three!

I have 3.73's and am in process of building spare rear into a 3.42 from 2.73's. I miss first gear with the 3.73's. Unless you are getting on it it is gone, lasts very shortly before the 1-2 shift. You will need something to calibrate your speedo.

 

Thanks for the feedback.I'll think hard about the tourque converter now. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

 

What's first gear? <img border="0" alt="[jester]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_jest.gif" />

 

White Z.....You will not need to upgrade to a 3 series carrier to go with a higher gear. Just make sure you specify you have a 2 series carrier.
They will be a thicker gearset.

BTW: I just busted a tooth off my Richmonds. They lasted 2 years and 180+ 1/4 mile passes.

Stu

 

I hope that you are starting to hear an underlying theme here of do the TC first and then gear if you still feel that you want. If you've got the hours for it and get familiar with the search function, you'll see tons and tons of reading on the TC/gear for the Automatic cars quandry. There are lots of cars out there with the stock 2.73's let alone the 3.23 cars that are running great times.

<small>[ October 11, 2002, 04:22 PM: Message edited by: P&DZs ]</small>