Which gears? 3:23 or 3:55?

[Corellian Corvette]

Took my 8.25 rear to the shop to have it given the once over. I'm adding a traction-lock as well as replacing bearings, etc.

The car now has 2:73 gears which I'm sure are nice on the freeway. However, I'd like to get a little more "oomph" off the line and they need to be replaced anyway (gears are worn)

I'm thinking 3:23 because that will still be a big improvement over the 2:73 but I won't be screaming if I ever want to take it on the highway. I'm not sure if there is a big diffference between 3:23 and 3:55 off the line, but I think it's like 300 - 400 RPM's different at 60mph.

Aside from those obvious tradeoffs, any thoughts or experiences with the different gears?

Thanks! 

[RogerDodger]

I switched my 2:73 gears to 3:23 when I had my 72. Its a good gear for all around use. If you plan to go to the track you might go to the 3:55 but if you are driving it a lot I wouldn't.

[Chryco Psycho]

I agree , the 3.23 are a good all round gear , will give the engine enough rpm at highway speedto match the cam choice in your other post & are nice for highway cruising

[hemi-hampton]

I went from a 4:56 to a 3:91 in my car & I noticed a big differance, really slowed it down off the line but better streetability. Also you'll want to figure in size of rear tires, like 26" or 28" or 30" ect, ect. Tires size factors in there also. LEON.

[HITMAN 149]

i have either a 3:91 or 4:10/11 rear now & we're gonna swap it out for 3:73's. i was thinkin 3:55's but my buddy said we should go w/ 3"73's to still give it a lil OOOMPH of the line!!!

[Brightyellow69rtse]

4.10s here i used to run a 26" tire and the gears were getting on my nerves, then i switched to a 28" and made a big difference. im not gonna swap the 4.10s. i say 3.55's and a 28" that would be fine imo......Mike

[Rolling_Thunder]

3.55's and a 28" tall tire here and i love it...     add an 5-speed and I am turning 1900RPM at the posted speed limit of the 405 Freeway....    65mph...       

[Chatt69chgr]

I think the 3.55's were usually supplied with 4-speed installations and 3.23's came with automatics.  Seems like the choice would depend on where the majority of your driving is going to occur.  If you will be on the interstate a lot, maybe the 3.23's would be best.  If you are just going to cruises,  the Sonic drive-in, or drive 40 miles to a nearby town for the monthly car show, maybe 3.55's would be better.  I struggled with this for a while and decided to use 3.55 ratio.  I seem to recall that there were not a lot of folks making 3.23.  About everybody makes 3.55---------leastways for 8-3/4 rear end.  Don't know about 8-1/4.