I'm in the process of hopping up a 200 inline 6 motor for my 76 Maverick. If all the research I've done is correct, The engine should put out almost double the amount of horse power of the stock 200. I plan on using the car mostly just on the weekends, with the odd run from Fl up to Nashville to visit family. It's currently got the stock 2.79 rear gear, and a c4 automatic tranny. I think I'd like a little lower gear. What gear would you guys suggest I use given the information provided ? I found an 8 inch with a 3.00 gear locally for $100, but I don't know if thats the gear I need. Thanks, I'd really appreciate some help with this one.
What is your intended use for this car? Drag Racing? Weekend Crusier? Occasional daily driver? If you will spend most of your time just DRIVING the car...I would stay with the gears you have.
3.00 and 14" tires give too many RPMs on the Interstates for my taste. Agree with the previous recommendations to stay with 2.79. You can always change it later if you don't like 2.79.
Automatic or manual transmission, Cam specs, Tire height all play in the decision you make. Bigger cam needs bigger gears...manual transmissions need more gear…automatic transmission needs more stall. I tried a 3.00 in my Falcon and had to pedal the clutch too much to get rolling. I still have to push the clutch back in a time or two to get rolling without lighting up the tires with a 3.25 gear with my cam Ask your cam grinder what is recommended
I'm only planning on driving the car on the weekends, mostly just tooling around the little town where I live. I might on occasion attempt the 35 mile trip over to Panama City Beach, but only if there's a car show or something. That being said , I'd still like to be able to cruise at 60 mph with out the engine screaming like a banshee. I'm running 15 inch tires right now. 205 65R15 on front, and 215 70R15 on back. I haven't figured out just which cam to order. I'm thinking about one of the stage 2 kits from Clifford Performance. given this additional info, would you guys still stick with the 2.79 rear gear? Thanks.
How bout a 3.00? I've found a 8 inch rear with a 3.00 gear ratio for a $100. Do you think a 3.00 would make that much of a difference over the 2.79 I've already got.
Install a 3,200 stall converter, drop in a 4.11 geared 9", buy earplugs and call it good. Now you're ready for that 460/C-6 you're gonna install later.
That being said.....I will stick with my original conclusion....keep what you got. A higher number rear axle gear will only raise your engine rpm.
the 100 for the 3.0 gear ratio is a good deal. get it and try it out. it will give it a little more pep on the street.
If you're only driving 60 with 215/70/15s, yes, it changes my opinion. Think you'll want a higher ratio, something over 3.00. I don't like mine turning 3000+/- RPM at 70-80 MPH on 14s with 3.00 but its fine at 60 MPH. Check this RPM calculator out. http://www.ringpinion.com/Calc_RPM.aspx
Not always. I get my best gas mileage at 3300 rpm on a long trip. This is where the engine gets quieter and the vacuum gauge peaks.
