Hey all. I have to replace the ring and pinion in my 2000 SS and am looking for some advice. The stock ratio is 3.42(it has a 6-speed). I was thinking of changing to a 3.73, 3.90, or 4.10. I know what you're thinking, 3.90 isn't really a GM gear but I hae found some gear manufacturers that offer this ratio. Anyone had any experience with these three ratios in their ride? Which is preferred? Any particular manufacturer/retailer I should get these from? The car is not a daily driver but it's not a track car either. I just want the gear that will give the car the most "fun" factor with out sacrificing driveability. Thanks

 

We put a 3.73 in our Camaro. It helps a lot since we upped the rev range and lost a good deal of low eng torque by using a really big cam.

The 3.90 ratio is a pretty good gear for some situations, particularly since the 4.10 gets to be pretty extreme for some folks. We thought of using it but we got a good deal of a really strong 3.73 so we went with that.

On the other hand I'm going to the other way with the vette, to a 3.15 from a 3.42.

There is a very long post on the pros and cons of changing rear end ratios on this forum's sister Corvette forum -- there are donwsides beyond just the higher revs on the highway, etc, but you might find it interesting.

http://www.corvetteforums.com/m_26639/tm.htm

 

With a 6 speed there is no reason not go 4:10, both 5th and 6th are overdrive gears, so it won't suffer much, if at all, on the highway. The only down side is that, if your still on a stock 10 bolt rear, the bigger gear will reduce strength in an already weak rear end.

 

Hey Lee, your post on corvetteforums was extremely informative and well done. You covered the M6 in that post and I am pretty sure that, thats what I have but im not completely sure. I have an 02 SS, do I have an MN6 or a T56?

 

You have a T-56

 

If you go with any improvement in power youwill eventually have to face replacing the rear axle with something stronger, so count on that now . . . you can do what my son and I did - replace it three times -- but eventually you get tired of that and go with something stronger than stock.

 

That's 100% true Lee, I just want him to know that the rear is WAY more likley to break with that 4:10 in it and he should be ready to invest $2000 in a 9 inch or 12 bolt.

 

don't go 4.10, you will get tired of it, 3.73 safe bet.

 

Have youever drivin a 6 speed car with a 4:10?

 

4.10s Are the way to go. I'm sure my 10 bolt will break someday, and when is does I'll worry about it then, untill then I enjoy every minute of it.!