I wasnt quite sure if I wanted to change my gears to 3.73 from 3.42 because its such a little change in ratios, but this IS my daily driver too. I am thinking of changing them because my rearend is whining a little lately after a nice burnout the other night. Do you guys recommend the change.....will I see a performance change?! THANKS-

 

if you have an auto i say go for the 3.73's...but if you have a 94+ M6 go 4.10's or nothing

 

With M-6 going from 3.42 to 3.73 will give you a 9% increase in torque whereas going to 4.10s will give you 20%. With an M-6, 6th gear is pretty much useless, whereas the 4.10s will make 6th gear work. Usually run about 2100 RPM at 70 MPH. Going with a lower gear should help you in the 1/4.

Recommend going with GM OEM gears, not the GM Motives, and definitely not richmonds (which many claim are noisier).

Would also recommend using Raytech solid pinion spacers in lieu of the crush sleeves. The solids supposed help keep gears from moving, thus providing a bit more strength for the puny 10 bolts. JMHO

 

Thanks guys you REALLY made me consider 4.10's . I used to always think they were track use only but with these 6 spds I wouldnt mind 2100 at 70!!!! That is SWEET!!! Where can I score gm oem gears at 4.10? Are these rearends posi or limited slip or what? Should I change anything else too while I'm under there, THANKS BUBBA for the tip on the pinion spacers!!!

 

Couple of places: Ring & Pinion 1-800-292-1031 or Drive Train Specialist DTS in Michigan (google them).

Check prices and shipping. Be sure to make sure you want the OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Since the Lt1s didn't originally come with 4.10s you will be looking at the OEMS that came with the S-10 blazer, I think--but they should know that.

Make sure you get the directions including set back specs, etc.

 

I went from 3.42-3.73 and would do it again. It makes a good gear for the street in a 6 speed. another reason why I went 3.73 is because I am going to use n2o

 

Well I went from 3.42's to 3.73's but only because I replaced my stock rear with a used 12-bolt that I picked up which already came set up with 3.73's. For what it's worth I could have sworn I felt a SOTP difference with the 3.73's Although if I were just replacing the gears in the stock rear I would go with some 4.10's for a 6-speed like the others are saying. I would like to spray a 100-shot maybe in the future though so the 3.73's are good for me.

 

I agree...the use of 6th is awesome now with the 4.10...although with normal street tires launching is a biatch...

 

In my case on my ride I already have 3.23 so i didnt want a little change to 3.73. I would recomend 4.11 nice big jump and still dailly driver. I am 16 so gas is crazy but im still ok on that.

 

I had gm motive 4.10 in my 97 lt1 and they were pretty nice and fun but car got slower on street tires. Now if had some nittos would have been great.
I sold my 97 ta and bought the 99 and put the 4.10 in there. They were fun too but they whined terrrible and couldn't get them to be quiet. Yanked them
and got talked into richmond 3.73. They were also good but they whined worse the the 4.10 motives so went sadly back to 3.42. I will maye got 3.73 and 12 bolt in the 99 next time. I am planning a turbo and hearing different opinions of what gear is best with it.

But for the average guy not going to go to big power adder the 4.10 are my favorite. I did pull on my buddies exactly same modded ws6 when I had 3.73 and he didn't .

 

I had the same question on my auto car, and went to 4.10s. Dropped 0.3 off my quarter times. My "OE" gears whine more than I'd like it to. And randy's R&P is who I've dealt with lately. They stand behind the product, and they didn't supply the noisy gears in my camaro. Good Luck!

 

I concur on the motives being whiney...

 

So is whiney like the rpms get stuck or........

 

It's like having a little blower bolted to the rearend. You will generally have a noise increase with lower gears because everything in front of the ring gear spins faster, then add a noisy gear and it can get loud. My auto Z28 has headers & ORY with a stock cat back so it's moderately quiet, and the rearend noise is noticable and somewhat annoying. It's the reason that I've learned how to set my own gears up on later projects.

Don't be suprised if it reveals a driveshaft vibration too. Low gears are real sensitive to shaft condition. Good Luck!

 

I am going to get 4.10 gears now, I want a big performance gain and I dont think the 3.73 will cut it--- thanks for everyones opinions---