I have a basically stock 96 Z28 A4 which currently has 2.73 gears. (The only *mods* my car has is a KN Filter & Hyp. Power Programmer+) What kind of performance difference would I see swithing to a 3.42 ratio? Has anyone else reading this ever took a stock LT1 and went from 2.73 to them? What was the difference, and how much less gas mileage. Thanks in advance for any tips!

 

Performance & gas mileage ??? What do you actually want???

 

I want to know how much of a difference there is in acceleration and fuel mileage. I don't see what's so confusing about that!

 

He wants both of course, just like everybody else!

Yes, 3.42s are a very good compromise gear. You'll probably see a small loss in mpg, but nothing big, that is if you keep the same driving habits.

Here's a little math for you to compare:

Engine to Wheel Drive ratios(1st gear):
M6 w/ 3.73s= 9.92
M6 w/ 4.11s= 10.93
A4 w/ 3.42s= 10.47
A4 w/ 3.73s= 11.41

I think you'd be very happy with the 3.42s. I know there's a lot of old guys that say they ran 4.11s on their 69 Camaro with no overdrive, but then again they probably didn't drive for hours on the expressway at 80 mph either.