2.73s to 3.73s....Yes, MPG Goes Down

We all have a gut feeling that your mpg goes down with lower gears in the rear.

Well, here's my numbers. With 2.73s and my mods in signature, I was getting 16 to 17 mpg..let's just say 16.5 average. My driving is mostly city...it's on the highway, but with California traffic jams...more like city. Anyways that's doesn't matter much, because I drive the same way/style to work every day.

With 3.73s, now my mpg is in the low 14s. I've gone through 2 tanks of gas since I installed the gears. 1st tank, I got 14.5mpg. 2nd tank, 14.1 mpg.

So you know how I do this, I basically fill the tank, reset trip odometer to 0. Drive for 190 to 200 miles. Refill and see how many gallons to drive those miles. Yeah, yeah, depending on the gas station, some "might" cut off earlier than others, but let's assume they're equal.

2.73s = 16.5 mpg
3.73s = 14.3 mpg
SOTP Feeling = priceless (well, at $3.70/gallon for 91 octane..not exactly priceless)

Just wanted to let you guys consider a gear swap that yes, there will be some gas mileage hit...for sure!

Thats why you have to get a DD ;)

This IS my daily driver. :)

Might have to park it on weekdays and take the Honda Pilot (family car) more often.

This IS my daily driver. :)

Might have to park it on weekdays and take the Honda Pilot (family car) more often.

Hell yea, rock the Honda

did you recalibrate your car for the new gears?

Get a bike! Cheap, better mpg by far, and way faster.

I get 42 mpg on my R6 and I ride it HARD.

Or just don't be a nancy about mpg!! I wouldn't buy an econo car and whine about power, so why buy a performance car and care for mpg?

Get a bike! Cheap, better mpg by far, and way faster.

I get 42 mpg on my R6 and I ride it HARD.

Or just don't be a nancy about mpg!! I wouldn't buy an econo car and whine about power, so why buy a performance car and care for mpg?

Buy a vespa, chick magnet :eek:

i like the launch of the 3.73's but i miss being able to cruise at 70mph at 1500 rpm's. (after h/c) wish you could do a split rear like big rigs ;)

how much will 3.73's lower my top speed? If I mainly want to keep my top end acceleration good and keep a top speed of 160mph with a 97 Z28 A4, should I just keep my 3.23's and get a twin turbo setup?

If I had a choice between a twin turbo (do they make one that fits our cars) and going from 3.23 to 3.73.....go turbo.

i like the launch of the 3.73's but i miss being able to cruise at 70mph at 1500 rpm's. (after h/c) wish you could do a split rear like big rigs ;)

Get a Gear Vendors overdrive. Problem solved, thank you very much.

how much will 3.73's lower my top speed? If I mainly want to keep my top end acceleration good and keep a top speed of 160mph with a 97 Z28 A4, should I just keep my 3.23's and get a twin turbo setup?





As long as you have the power to push the gears, none. My car has seen 186mph with the 3.73's and still had some room to go.

I agree with LSWHO, get a bike. My Harley gets around 42-44 in town and about 54 on the highway. And I don't mind crusing that thing at all!!!

Ya I had a rocket but just couldn't resist the urge to switch over to the dark side. I can't go 150 MPH but when my bike makes little children cry and scares animals then thats a good trade off!!

Your only get 16 mpg. Of course city thats not real bad I guess. I just got my gear instal price its going to be $250 to put them in, I got all the parts.