Originally Posted by SpinMonster

Its all in your head.

For high speed runs, I noted that 4.10's clicked off faster once I was at 170 and climbing than with 3.42's all thew way to 201mph. 4.10's pull through all gears faster not just under 60mph. The reason is that the car is always higher in rpm for a given speed. In a 4 gear race both cars have to pass through all 4 gears and rpm's so please dont get caught up in the 'when im in 4th down low, then youre up top in 3rd' BS;....you have to do the 4th gear too.

The 20% difference in gearing is no different than the 4.10 guy starting in 2nd gear as compared to the 3.42 gear car. Essentially it trades a useless 6th gear with 3.42's for a gear under first with 4.10's. I wouldnt start in 2nd on a race so why would you? Starting in 1st with 3.42's is like 4.10's in 2nd by final gear ratio.

Final gear ratios tell the story. 4.10's in high transmission gears 3,4,5th... have final gear ratios comparable to higher gears with 3.42's so 4.10's dont stop 'working' after 60, 100 , or even 150.

I've always believed that people with issues with gears are actually having issues with what they hear. The high revving of the engine makes them feel like the car isnt moving fast in proportion to the noises they are hearing. You should get a quiet exhaust, adjust your comfort level, or avoid things that make a car rev for power and stay with a slower car.



Your car lost nothing on the top end. I did 201 and couldnt break through the 190 barrier until I got them. It was out of the reach of the car in 6th as far as power band. 100-200 m y car is faster too. You just cant deal with the revs/mph. I'll believe your statement when you time the 60-120 run and time it again after your 3.73 swap. I timed it for the 4.10 swap and will never give up the gear.

Originally Posted by CPG1962

Another point is your car would be catching more wear as there is a propensity to rev higher with 4.10's.

Originally Posted by Ragtop 99

I don't buy that. At most you might shift into 6th when you didn't with 3.42s So you have a typically low stress shift. Your clutch will last plenty long if that is the hardest wear thrown at it. Around town, you don't have to drive at higher rpms as you where you normally shift (rpm wise) until you are on the highway. Even then, the difference between 1900 rpm and 2300 rpm on the highway isn't going to cause the engine to wear out.

Originally Posted by CPG1962

In a perfect world I would say yes- there is not difference - but this is not a perfect world.

Originally Posted by Amric

3.42 can go through the traps in 4th gear at 106
3.73 can go through the traps in 4th gear at 139
3.90 can go through the traps in 4th gear at 133
4.10 can go through the traps in 4th gear at 127
4.56 can go through the traps in 4th gear at 114

All math assumes 6500 redline and stock height tires, and Z51 gearing

Based on the math, I like 3.90 the best.

ETA

Also, 3.90 still allow you to hit 60mph before having to shift to 3rd. (64mph to be exact)

Originally Posted by HANNY

3.73 sounds like the right move,,,thats the thing when you drop gears you end up shifting sooner. Can you jump gears when you shift now and it not be lugging? What i mean is going from 1-3 then 3-5? just a thot.
Also i would like to hear what others have experienced but i think 3.73 gears are going to get you better 1/4 mile times then 4.10. Just from my experience in the past that 4.10 (cant get facts on this tho just from my own cars). The 4.10's are alot more fun for tire burning tho :-)

Originally Posted by wooden

am I missing something here how would 3.42,s be doing 106 mph and 4.56,s doing 114 mph in the same gear and at the same rpm. 3.42,s are the tallest gears listed but you have them as the lowest mph.

Originally Posted by 06.Z51.MontRed.Vert

410's for the street are the best, and make a huge difference in the car. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Originally Posted by EZ2BEVILC5

So what about the myth about 1st and 2nd gears being usless and lower gears making it even worse?

I have a stock LS1 with an A&A making 500RWHP. When I do a quick take off (not a clutch drop) the rpms drop to about 2500-3000K RPM and I have a lag untill the 4K power really hits. Wouldn't the gears shorten this gap and get me into the power band easier and quicker?

Opinions appreciated.

Originally Posted by Andork

I don't have much room to talk since my 4.10's are ordered but not yet in the car. I have worried about excessive shifting for normal driving but I figure I can always just start in 2nd gear to do less shifting for around town cruising....

I suppose I'll find out first hand in a few weeks after my gears arrive and get installed...