Hi,

rebuilding my sons 69 camaro while he's in afghanistan. 454, 4 spd, ten bolt posi.

Car is geared way to low. unsure what it is, but this big block has PLENTY of power and the low gears are silly for this soon to be daily-driver.

What is the cheapest way to change the gearing (what parts/kits)? where would you get the parts? special tools required or is this something a backyard mechanic should dig into? is there a good thread discussing this? should I just take it to a trans shop?

thanks

frank

Note: I just swtched this car to the four spring rear, shocked at how tight it feels - almost like air shocks. but the orginal was worn-out and ended up gaining the little height I needed for tires.

 

For a daily driver anywhere from 3.23 to a 3.55 in my opinion would be plenty of gear especially with the lower first gear on a manual trans. I had a 3.55 in a BB Chevelle and it tached around 3200 at 70mph. Went with a 3.36 in my Camaro for a little better hwy driving if I want to take it somewhere. Ring and pinion gears are fairly inexpensive if you do not have to replace the differential. Take it to a performance shop and let them set the backlash and everything up for you.

 

I run 3:42 in my Camaro with a 427 engine. Changing the ring and pinion is the least expensive way to go, but not a job for the backyard mechanic. Gears will run around $150-$175 a set and about the same to install them and get them properly set up.

 

THANK YOU!! how can i tell what size to buy? 7.5? 8.5? assume it's a 30 tooth? it was a mono leaf, low geared posi, v-8 from factory, 69 camaro. guessing...it's the stock axle. (but somebody did lower the ratio...so who knows) what can I measure to find out what parts to order? (then i'll take to AAMCO or whatever)

 

You can tell if the stock axles are in it by taking the center caps/ hubcaps/ whatever off from the rear wheels and looking at the axles there. If they are aftermarket they will obviously look newer. Should be an 8.2 if it is still the stock housing. Look for the rear end stamping to the right of the differential on the top of the axle tube then post it, someone here, myself included can decode it.