3.42 or 4.10?
3.42 or 4.10? im trying to decide what to do, the track here in michigan is only going to be open a couple more weeks, and id like to go faster than 13.2 with my stock LS1 car before the season is over. so should i put in the 3.42s now, and try to knock some time off, or save up for 4.10s and risk not making it to the track this year? The car currently has 2.73s in it, and a friend donated his old 3.42s. so would 3.42s be worth the swap? or should i just save up and go 4.10s?
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,285
Likes: 1
From: Elgin, Il
I would go 3.42 if the car sees the street alot (assuming its an auto b/c the 2.73). That would put you at your goal. Theres a few around here that have ran 13.0-13.2 with just a lid and catback, so your not asking too much. You have to swap carriers too though, if you want to use a 3 series gear. This is all best left to a pro though only because setting the gears perfect is something that needs to be done juuuust right. Good luck!
yeah i have a guy who is going to set them up for me. i just wondered if the 3.42 would get me any closer to a 12 second slip, or if i would have better luck with the 4.10s the car hardly ever sees the street and has 27 inch tall DRs so it will be eventually getting 4.10s no matter what. i just wanted to get closer to a 12 second pass with my lid/exhaust only car. i have a feeling i would be closer to that goal with 4.10s just wondered what others thought.
that is true i just dont think i can afford the 4.10s, install kit, AND install price this season, and i wondered if the 3.42s were worth putting in for this year. by the way, very nice looking camaro. i have a 72 with a big block. 
Teching In
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Unless you are in some-kind of 'competition' with friends, or want to see how-quick/fast you can go with 3.42s, I'd wait until you can afford the 4.10s & installation:
I'd think the 3.42s (from 2.73s ) would put you into the 12s (in my car 20+ years ago, the OEM 3.42s to 4.11s was worth 14.4 to 14-teens ), for-sure, if traction remains constant
3.42= still a daily driver. You should click a high second pass all day long. 4.10 IMO is overkill if you still wanna drive the car daily. Once you put 4.10's in you will have a whole mess of traction problem to contend with. You can purchase a "thick" gear set and use your existing carrier. If you use your buddys 3.42 gears u will need a spacer which some people have had problems with. They have the 3.42's (thick gear) at Thunder racing for 225.00 made by Strange / US gear. All depends what u wanna do. Costs $$ & GAS to go fast!
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Teching In
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Canada
Put the 3.42's in for now. The only problem you're gonna have is like the poster above me said, since you have 2.73's gears right now, you have a 2-series carrier. 3.42's require a 3-series carrier OR you need to use a spacer on your carrier. Spacers are never perfect though and sometimes can develop problems.
Either that or order a 'thick' gear like mentioned. If you're buying a new gear i highly recommend 'Yukon Gears' ring & pinion sets. They sell any gear you want, thick OR standard size. In your case you would need a 'thick' gear.
Also, if your car is an auto, get 3.73 gears. If its an M6, get 4.10's or higher.
Either that or order a 'thick' gear like mentioned. If you're buying a new gear i highly recommend 'Yukon Gears' ring & pinion sets. They sell any gear you want, thick OR standard size. In your case you would need a 'thick' gear.
Also, if your car is an auto, get 3.73 gears. If its an M6, get 4.10's or higher.
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