I am getting a new T56 for my wagon and am undecided on which 1st gear to get: the 2.97 or the 2.66

My car is a 67 Nova wagon with a 4.30 geared 9" and a 443 LS motor. I have not gotten the car finished, nor has it been dynoed yet, but I suspect it will be in the 575-600rwhp range. The car weighs around 3100-3200lbs and will be used mostly for cruising on the weekends (maybe some street action) with an occasional trip to the dragstrip.

So the question is, which 1st gear should I get?

 

I would do the 2.66 first gear.

 

I agree.

 

If it is a T56 the 2.97 would have a tri-cone first synchro where the 2.66 would likely have a double-cone so the 2.97 has more capacity.
If you are talking about the Magnum the syncs are the same.
I suggest the Magnum at that power level. and with a 4.30 , a 2.66 will be more streetable . However the 2.97 set has the .5 6th, which is better on the hiway with that 4.30.

 

Thanks guys. Yeah, its a T56 Magnum. I need the farther-forward shifter mount to clear the bench seat LOL.

 

for a street car 2.97 1st gear and change out the 4:30 to 3:55 or slightly less.

I'm running a t56 297 1st 4:30's 28" tire it's fun on the street great at the track but on the street I can start out in 4th if I want and drive around town in 6th. In 6th gear at 70 mph 2000 rpm's. At one point I had 3:31 in it and thought that was a prerfect street gear with the 28" tires with a 26" tire a 3:08 gear would be nice. I'm 440rwhp 410 rwtq