3.90 Final Drive Ratio - Gauging level of interest
- Thread starter nota4re
- Start date
Brombear
GT Owner
SMOKDU
GT Owner
- Dec 17, 2011
- 412
With my 4.0 whipple the car has plenty of fun and a light feel. I think the mod would be great on the track for tip in for the higher gears. I wonder if you wanted just to see straight line performance what would be faster. I think with the extra shifting and wheel spin on an already modded GT you would go slower in the 1/8 or 1/4 mile times and it might effect the mile as well. I can hit 100 in second now at 7000 rpm. I'm kinda the wrong guy because I have a drag race background and never raced on a road course . If the cars was a paddle shift auto I would say do it just my opinion .
Last edited:
rf18412
GT Owner
Sinovac
GT Owner
First gear in the GT500s is very tall as well. A 3.73 gear swap is very popular and makes the car much more enjoyable for all the reasons stated above. It transformed my '08 GT500. I have no doubt the same is true for the GT. I would be interested in the parts only, depending on the vendor.
Vincent998
GT Owner
I'd be interested in a total package, but at $10K+ I don't find it necessary or cost effective. At a significantly lower cost, that would be different.
For $10,000, I can buy a hell of a lot of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires (345/30ZR19), which drop my ratio from 3.36 to about 3.7 - and when traveling with my buddy Jeff, we then can stop together for gas. I find it a hell of a good compromise, as I get a reduced ratio and a great track tire at the same time. And, the #2 car loves them. I'm not going to get into the middle of this, just suffice it to say that if you have more interest, PM me. The extra width of the tire is FANTASTIC!
:thumbsup
:thumbsup
Ralphie, I hear you on the price of the gears. The price I estimated was nearly the identical price as it was when the original 3.90 set was offered - despite that was several years ago.
As for running a 345/30 tire on the GT, I could never do this. Seeing an ungodly looking fender well gap from running a tire that is more than 1.75" undersized for the design of the car would just kill me.
As for running a 345/30 tire on the GT, I could never do this. Seeing an ungodly looking fender well gap from running a tire that is more than 1.75" undersized for the design of the car would just kill me.
BlackICE
GT Owner
:agree: with Kendell, too big gaps in the wheel wells. The lower ratio is one of the best mods if cost isn't a consideration, but I understand why many would hesitate. I just cost big bucks for small runs of custom parts. If 100 owners came forward I'm sure the price would be significantly less.
PeteK
GT Owner
sandman
GT Owner
We have the 3.90 gears in one car and the stock 3.3 in the other, both cars are otherwise identical, Whipples, exhaust, brakes, short shifter…
The stock geared car is as most everyone knows is long legged; getting 0-60 without a shift will do that. The torque the GT has masks this as to not be a real issue and as we know most people are very happy with the car as is. The 3.90’s surely aren’t for everyone but once you drive one it’s obvious why they have their place. On the road it seems to always be in the heart of the torque curve, a very responsive car in any gear at any speed. Sure my fuel economy took a small hit but my right foot does more damage! How many drive a GT like a prius? On the track it is fantastic, everything it does for the streetcar is exponentially better there, I really can’t overstate how much I enjoy it. Running the mile does require a shift into 6th 400’ from the finish, so not so good but that’s a rare occurrence and it did get me over 210. The stock geared car is still pulling 5th and is the winner there.
As for the cost Kendell is in the same ballpark as the originals. This isn’t ordering a ring and pinion off the shelf, per unit cost, as before, is going to be up there, frankly building only 20 sets I would think most vendors would consider a waste of time so its going to cost you.
The gear change is one of, if not the best mods made to the car, it isn’t seen or heard but it’s felt and it makes me smile.
The stock geared car is as most everyone knows is long legged; getting 0-60 without a shift will do that. The torque the GT has masks this as to not be a real issue and as we know most people are very happy with the car as is. The 3.90’s surely aren’t for everyone but once you drive one it’s obvious why they have their place. On the road it seems to always be in the heart of the torque curve, a very responsive car in any gear at any speed. Sure my fuel economy took a small hit but my right foot does more damage! How many drive a GT like a prius? On the track it is fantastic, everything it does for the streetcar is exponentially better there, I really can’t overstate how much I enjoy it. Running the mile does require a shift into 6th 400’ from the finish, so not so good but that’s a rare occurrence and it did get me over 210. The stock geared car is still pulling 5th and is the winner there.
As for the cost Kendell is in the same ballpark as the originals. This isn’t ordering a ring and pinion off the shelf, per unit cost, as before, is going to be up there, frankly building only 20 sets I would think most vendors would consider a waste of time so its going to cost you.
The gear change is one of, if not the best mods made to the car, it isn’t seen or heard but it’s felt and it makes me smile.
Vince H
GT Owner
BlackICE
GT Owner
Shelby#18
GTX1 Owner/Moderator
I also have the 3.90 gears on both my cars. One is a Whipple the other TT. As stated from others it won't help you at the mile. But on the track it sure is nice!
