Help with gear selection

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Jul 9, 2006 | 03:50 PM

JGA

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Help with gear selection

Hi

Got stock 273 gears in a A4 car with a few boltons.

Going in for a gear change and Eaton/TA cover. I realy don't mind the 273 gears. A little soft off the line and you can feel the loosness in the torque converter now and then.

It's a dialy driver and commuter so I am a little concerned about gas ($5/gallon in Canada). Was thinking of 323 or 342. I see alot of people pulling the 323 gears out. Are they a waist of time? They are 2 steps up and I figure thay should make a big difference.

Thanks JA

Jul 9, 2006 | 04:21 PM

2001NBMZ28

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From: Jacksonville, FL

Most w/3.23's won't swap to 3.42's, not that much of a change - probably going with 3.73's. I went from 2.73 to 3.42 cause I got a good deal from a friend and swapped the entire rear. If I was just doing gears I would've opted for 3.73. With the latest gas prices and being a daily driver 3.42 is a good compromise. IMO I'd still go w/3.73's though.

Jul 9, 2006 | 08:08 PM

JGA

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Quote:

Originally Posted by 2001NBMZ28

Hi

Thanks

JA

Jul 9, 2006 | 11:45 PM

CW00BlackTA

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Probably cheaper to just buy a used 3.42 rear and swap it.

Jul 10, 2006 | 12:44 AM

SVT THIS

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From: Owasso, Ok

Go with the 3.73s. There can't be that much difference in gas mileage between 3.42s and 3.73s.

You said you can feel the looseness in the torque converter-what size/brand are you running??

Jul 10, 2006 | 06:08 AM

Z28/2002

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From: Your girl's back door giving her the long stroke while you're at work

I went from 2.73s to 3.42s and it really woke the car up. It spins completely through first and second on street tires

Jul 10, 2006 | 08:06 PM

JGA

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Quote:

Originally Posted by SVT THIS

Go with the 3.73s. There can't be that much difference in gas mileage between 3.42s and 3.73s.

You said you can feel the looseness in the torque converter-what size/brand are you running??

Hi
re TC. I am not sure. I think it is a BM Hole Shot. It stalls at about 2400, so it must be the bottom model. I think the stock unit's stall speed is about 1600. Anyway, with 273 and a lazy shifting 4l60E in traffic you can end up in third gear and moving quite slow. Under these considiton even the stock TC will feel a little loose. I assume GM whent with 273 to get better fuel millage ratings. It certainly screws up the drivability of the car.

I think I will try the 342.

Thanks
JA