Switching gears

[gnrl01]

My car was put on the road last spring for the first time in 20 years. I put some 3:91 gears in it, the guy that was building my engine swore up and down these would be the ones to put in it, they are a bit too steep for my driving habits. I go to alot of shows,cruises or just like to take it out for a drive and I don't like how the gears wind the car up in rpms for a longer haul. I want something that willl be quick off the line but not rap the motor out on the highway, I had 323's in it originally but never got to driveit with them in it so I have no idea what they are like. A gear I have been told to use is 3:55 Help!!! I don't know what to buy I want to switch it out his month.

Thanks
Don
http://midwesthotrods.us/

[694spdRT]

Well, if 3.91's are too much and 3.23's weren't enough I would say to go with the 3.55's. The 3.55's are a good compromise IMO and I put them in my '68. You can live with them on the highway and still give good off the line performance.   

Depending on how your engine was built the 3.23's are not a bad gear either. If your engine has a bigger cam and high stall converter it may upset your combination switching gears. I wonder if that is why the builder recommended the 3.91's. Do you know what cam and converter you have?

Tire size will affect rpm but, you can expect to run somewhere around 2500 rpm with 3.23's and 3000 rpm with 3.55's in the 60-65mph. 

[golden73]

What diameter tire are you running? As said before, tire diameter will effect rpm. You may be able to get away with putting a larger tire on, and still have your engine running in its sweet spot.

[Mike DC]

Compared to a modern car, even 3.23 gears will feel kinda low on the highway.  But first gear will also feel like the second gear in a modern sports car.

These cars really need that fourth overdrive gear.

.

[skip68]

 Gear venders!!! If funds allow it.  That's my goal.........

[John_Kunkel]

Compared to a modern car, even 3.23 gears will feel kinda low on the highway. 

Yep, I can remember when I thought 3.23 was a tall gear but after driving newer OD transmissions even 2500 rpm on the highway sounds like the motor is revving too high.

[Dodge Don]

If your not already try stepping up to 15" tires/rims to take some of the edge off.

I'm going with 15" with 3.91:1 SG. But it sure won't be a daily driver either though.