FuzzyLog1c

iTrader: (4)

Some people might be confused about what higher and lower numbers mean.

Also, try to categorize drivers' opinions about gearing into NA and FI.

DMM

Yeah, I got the same impression driving the LS3 SS for the first time, however at the time I had the Maggie on my CTS-V. The auto version has a HP deficiency compared to the LS3 (manual). It's worth noting that the C5 Z06 had 3.42 gears with the same trans ratio's as us, although it has a curb weight of 3,115 lbs. GM threw 3.73's in these pigs in order to increase the mechanical advantage from a dig.


2010 Camaro SS
TR6060 six-speed manual
Gear ratios (:1):
First: 3.01
Second: 2.07
Third: 1.43
Fourth: 1.00
Fifth: 0.84
Sixth: 0.57
Reverse: 3.28
Final drive ratio: 3.45
Base Curb Weight (lbs) 3860

2004 - 2007 CTS-V
1st-2.97:1
2nd-2.07:1
3rd-1.43:1
4th-1.00:1
5th-0.84:1
6th-0.56:1
Reverse 3.28:1
Final drive ratio: 3.73
Base Curb Weight (lbs) 3850


2009+ CTS-V
First Gear Ratio: 2.66
Second Gear Ratio: 1.78
Third Gear Ratio: 1.30
Fourth Gear Ratio: 1.00
Fifth Gear Ratio: 0.80
Sixth Gear Ratio: 0.63
Reverse Ratio: 2.90
Final Drive Axle Ratio: 3.73

Base Curb Weight (lbs) 4209

tommycompton

iTrader: (1)

I know going to 3.55 seems like the logical choice for me, and should be a no brainer.
Increase in HP with forced induction=3.55
But spinning sideways in 3rd gear with 3.73= priceless
I do have more meat than most in the rear with 295's on 10" rims, not that that is a huge amount of rubber, but with the BFG Kdw2s I do get a fair amount of traction.
I'm torn between getting stock gearing and changing it later if I don't like it,
Or the other way around.
I have been reading on the mustang forum too, just to see what they are suggesting.
They seem equally as indecisive, plus it's hard to judge because the mustangs are so much lighter than us.

FuzzyLog1c

iTrader: (4)

Consider: when you install a 8.8" differential, you gain the ability to swap out gear sets for less than $200 a pop. If you're on the fence, be aggressive, and keep a bookmark of the next size up/down gears in case you're unsatisfied.

I8URSVT

iTrader: (2)

x2 what fuzzy said.

Maybe go with 3.73's first and see how it is. If you dont like it, I'm sure there are a bunch of there guys on here who will be doing 8.8 swaps and would buy the 3.73's off you if you decided to change later.

And get vids of going sideways in 3rd gear.

tommycompton

iTrader: (1)

I spend more than that on a night of drinking

Ofcourse

DougNuts

iTrader: (1)

If I ever install an 8.8", it will have 3.55s in it. I spend a lot of time at 50-60mph and I wish 5th was just a little lower in the RPMs at those speeds. I think 3.55s would give me what I want, the ability to stay out of 6th unless I'm hauling *** down the highway at 80mph.

MN_V

iTrader: (5)

Go 3.55. I'm not a big fan of the 3.73's stock, 1st and 2nd gear are too short.

punishmentcycle

iTrader: (6)

Car "feels" slower with the 3.55's since the change. Might be the extra drag from the bigger ring gear and such but just feels like I lost some ump

FuzzyLog1c

iTrader: (4)

More planted and less clunky can feel slower when it's actually not. That said, you have less torque at given speed and gear. But at the same RPM and gear, you're making the same power and torque.

I wouldn't drop the gear ratio below 3.55 unless you plan on installing a 400+ CID motor and/or blower.

shadyLS6

naa its gotta be the lower gears. my car feels the same acceleration wise with heavy iron case + larger 8.8 motive ring gear buuuuuttt now i actually drive the car like a 4door vette so i guess the car feels faster..

punishmentcycle

iTrader: (6)

i plan on adding a few more ponies plus a 100 shot so im gonna keep the 3.55's. the gear change deff hurt my current set up though.

i raced a car that was a pretty even race before the rear swap.. raced again after and he pulled about a car and a half

FuzzyLog1c

iTrader: (4)

Yeah, but if you were running in an autocross, you'd win by at least that much because you tend to stay in one gear (usually second) and run it up to the rev limiter.

54inches

iTrader: (4)

Or running the Texas Mile or equivalent type race.

Fuzzy, you need to do a better at qualifying your statements; really lacking these days.

tommycompton

iTrader: (1)

Just wondering, with the ls9 cam, and your powerband later in the rpms (i understand your boost will give power under the curve too, however) mixed with 3:55 gears could that be a contributing factor?

Think I've decided, stay 3:73, if I hate it, go 3:55.
But we'll see when the time comes to ordering.

Skidmarcx

Smart move IMO and like it was said gears are an easy swap if you decide otherwise

runsfromdacops

if your not making a **** tone of power i dont think its a good idea to go with the longer gears.(3.55) id do 3.73s or the next size up to get that nice TQ my car makes almost 900whp and i still think the 3.73s were a good fit for it. im going to try the 3.55s but i the 3.73s still feels like a good fit

FuzzyLog1c

iTrader: (4)

I doubt that you're building boost with your turbos in first or second. That's why GulfM3 is running a 3.31 gear ratio.

tommycompton

iTrader: (1)

Another reason I'm thinking of sticking with 3:73's is the added weight i'll be putting into the car. The blower has to be close to 80lbs, then the 8.8 diff itself. I'll be going with the iron case, not only for added strength, but to help balance out the additional weight in the front. I realize the iron diff isn't all that much heavier, but it should help some.

itsslow98

iTrader: (18)

3.55 vs 3.73 is such a small difference I highly doubt youd notice any difference with a twin screw car. Id go with 3.55s because believe me youll be making 500ftlbs of tq at 2500rpms and it wont matter what gear your in the car is gonna move out of its own way. Your gonna blow the tires off so fast in first gear itll be on the rev limiter before you can even think of shifting to second.