I just noticed you can order a new Premium Mustang GT with 3.55 gears as a stand alone option! When was the last CAR you saw with optional gearing not in a package? Too bad you can't get them in the basic deluxe model like you could in 2007.... Why does the cool gearing options always come with stuff I don't need!!!!!

Think my '09 base V8 6speed Camaro will have optional gears available? I sure hope so!! (Who the hell wants to attempt gearing an independent rear.....not me!!!)

 

That and the gear is warrantied. I wouldnt expect 4.11s or anything to be an option but I dont see why gear ratio cant be a completely independent option of all the bs option group garbage. Not like you're changing harnesses or anything to operate gadgets.

 

I was kind of thinking if Ford could offer 1/4 point lower gear ratio, why couldn't GM? 3.42's or 3.73's? Optional gearing would be sweet! I'd pony up the $350 extra for them!

 

Very much agreed.

 

4th gens had optional gearing. GU5 option. 3.23 versus 2.73 in the automatics.

 

Not much to choose from...

 

I had forgotten about that! Was that a stand alone gear option? Or was it included in a package?

I just think it would be cool when you were ordering your new Camaro if you could check a box for lower gears, without getting leather and a navigation system blahblahblah....

 

The Ford guys have good memories! When I ordered my 5-speed '85 Mustang GT ragtop, I was able to specify an optional 3.08 ratio as opposed to the 2.73 that came standard. It was not part of any package and although I don't remember the exact cost, I do remember that it was very inexpensive. Somewhere in my files is a letter from Ford of Canada indicating that there were something like 24 1985 GT 'verts with 5-speed, A/C and 3.08s produced for Canada.
I've talked about making optional ratios available on the 5th Gen to various people...

Best regardSS,

Elie

 

What happens differently with different gear ratios? I am not into suping up cars and what not. I just buy em and drive em.

 

Numerically higher gear ratios generally give you quicker acceleration.

 

And lower fuel economy, since your RPMs are generally higher at a given speed.

 

IIRC (at least for 1995) it was a stand alone option but for auto 1LE cars it was included. It also included the "1" on the gear selector whereas 2.73 cars had only OD, D and 2

 

I think GM would do well to offer very individual options like gears and trim. I'd like to think of what Porsche or Mini Cooper has done.

One issue to contend with is certification for fuel economy and tall gears present a challenge on a V8 car.

 

I agree to an extent....
I have 4.10's in a stock LT1 M6 car and only lost 2mpg and was beating it a lot!! i think with more conservative driving I would have only lost 1mpg.
Lower gears might not necessarily make you faster..... But they are definitely more fun!

 

My '84 was originally a factory ordered car, and it was factory equipped with an optional 3.73:1 limited slip differential.

Over the years the F-body top ratio has dropped from 4.11 to 3.73 to 3.42 to 3.23:1 but it wouldn't surprise me to see some 3.42's back on the list, especially with a manual transmission.