nikon1999

iTrader: (22)

The car sees quite a bit of driving, currently have my junk 2.73's, i want better acceleration and A LOT better pull on the highway, i was thinking of 3.42's for gas mileage, but the 3.73's are starting to sound better... What would you do? What would my rpms be roughly with 3.73's, with the 2.73's im at 2k @ 80mph. I also get around 24+ mpg, what is that going to go down to? any input would be great, thanks!

boomcase

342s all the way , thats what GM should have put in the autos anyway. I do 70 mph at about 2200 to 2300 rpm

elderon

I'm having the same dilemna. All my buddies are trying to talk me into 3:73's but I drive this car every day 9 months of the year. I went ahead and ordered the 3:42's. Probably only make about .04-.08 difference in the 1/4 mile, and will save some gas and engine life. ANYTHING is better than 2:73's!!

Txbandit911

Put 4.10's in it.

elderon

Whoa dude thats way extreme for a daily driver automatic. Might require shifting into OD before the end of the 1/4 mile!!

Tom's_03SVT

I have 3.73 now in my A4. they arent that bad. Alot more from the go and I really havent noticed any top end loss. 3.42 is a good gear too. you should be good to go no matter what your choice is.

Tom

elderon

Thats what I want to hear. My buds are all telling me if I go lower than 3:73 I will regret it, but they aren't realizing how crappy 2:73's are!

Txbandit911

I was just kidding. 3.73's would be hella fun though in a a4. I have a '00 T/A with a ASA cam in it with 3.73's and M6.....and I do not have near enough gear in the thing. Gonna order a 9" soon, maybe with some 4.30's Gotta turn the 28's.

Ragtop 99

iTrader: (7)

2.73s are not bad if you put a torque converter in. A 2.73 car with a mild converter (e.g. Yank SS 3600 or Vig 2800) will whip a 3.73 car with a stock converter.

I'd suggests 3.42s and a converter, especially with street tires. If you refuse to get a converter, you'll want 3.73s but your highway revs will be just like driving in 3rd gear now.

Toadman

I thinking about changing from 2.73s also. How much of a difference will you notice with 3.42s over 2.73s.

elderon

I'll getting mine done as we speak. I will let you all know how it is. Expect about a 500 rpm difference though.

MNR-0

Over here in the land of OZ we get our A4s stock with 3.07 gears. I own a Monaro, but think '04 GTO. I upgraded mine to 3.46, which is standard in the GTO.

Big difference everywhere. Cruise at 60mph at 2050rpm. After some tranny re-programming wheel spin from take-off is no problem. 3rd gear keeps on pulling on the freeway and 2nd is great for kick-backs below 48mph.

I have often debated about 3.73 and thought should I have gone the extra mile. Well after I stick a stall converter in I am told it makes less than 0.1 seconds difference down the quarter.

Since I only run street tyres traction is a big issue. I think 3.73s would only exacerbate the traction issue and i would lose time in to 60". As it stands my 60" times are crappy 2.1s.

So I reckon 3.73s if using slicks otherwise dont bother. 3.42s are great for everything else and a good compromise gear. If you beef your engine up then you will eventually want smaller gears anyway.

boomcase

Very nice difference from 273s to 342s , I can cruise at about 2200rpm at 70 mph in OD, I made that swap and it is just right with my 3800 converter, dame good combo with a good converter, I'd do 342s before I did 373s
you will notice a big difference in the seat , and RPMS. I can pull high 1.5s 60ft with a good tire on my car and a good track, full weight.

Ragtop 99

iTrader: (7)

SOTP feel is great with a gear swap, but with a converter, the gains aren't great.

RevGTO

iTrader: (12)

Yep, gears are about SOTP around town, not 1/4 mile times. I hated my 2.73s on a daily basis, and love my 3.42s. 3.73s would be even better in town, but on a recent interstate trip, I was glad I had 3.42s. @80mph, stock tire height: 2.73s=2000rpm; 3.23s=2400rpm;3.42s=2500rpm; 3.73s=2800rpm. Since the difference between 3.23s and 3.42s is negligible, 3.42s represent the best compromise between around-town driveability and highway cruiseability.

elderon

Hmmm. So basically I shouldn't expect a .3 gain? LOL. What is a realistic gain with a 3500 stall goin from 2:73 to 3:42 then? I hope its at least a couple tenths. Please don't tell me I just spent $750 for the conversion for NOTHING!

Noyzee

iTrader: (37)

there wont be much difference between the 2. they are close and either way will be better then 2.73's
IMO go 3.73