Dumb question, but couldn't find with a few searches....

What is the stock rear end gear ratio for an '02 SS A4 (think it's 2.73)? Looking to upgrade to 3.73's for better punch and trying to decide if it is worthwhile for a driver (not road or drag racing).

Thanks. Will try to limit myself to one dumb question a month ....

Later,

Allen

 

2.73s or 3.23s depending on if you have the performance axel option.

 

are the LS1s the same as the LT1s in that if you can select 1st gear on the shifter you have the performance axle? if not you have the 2.73s??

i do know the 2.73 equipped cars were steel driveshafts.

 

all SS A4's came with 3.23's, the performance axle option was part of the SS pkg.

also, NOT a dumb question. we all started out like you.

 

All LS1 A4's can select 1st, regardless of gears.

 

gotcha...i wasn't sure if they were or not.

now i know...wonder why they changed that for the LS1??

as for the 3.73s in an auto, most say that is the better choice than 4.10s. now for the m6s, the jump from 3.42 to 3.73 is not much.

i'm considering the 3.73s for my m6 due to wanting to maintain good milage but needing to get the rpms for my 5th gear to 6th gear shift just a couple hundred rpms lower since most of my roads are 45 or 55.

and for a street car i'm worried that 4.10s will make traction nearly impossible with my planned 475hp (425 currently, but heads coming soon).

 

If you're not wanting to race it, I would say don't bother with it. Keep in mind once you get the new gears, fluids, installation kit, and some sort of recalibration (not to mention installing if you don't do it) you'll be spending a pretty penny. Is it really worth spending that money (I'd say at least $400) if you don't plan on "using" the gears?

 

Actually the LS1 A4 w/ 2.73s did have a steel driveshaft unless it was upgraded w/ an aluminum one (aftermarket or used driveshaft off of a 3.23 Car). My Z28 that I traded off had 2.73s and yes you can select 1st gear on it w/out modding the shifter like the LT1s (I heard LT1s you had to pull a clip out of the shifter to allow 1st gear to be selected). If you don't care about gas mileage, then 3.73 gears are the way to go otherwise, I would recommend keep the gears you have and get a stall converter.

Charlie

 

I don't intend to race/compete, but I enjoy the shate out of driving the thing!! I'm looking for more punch as a daily driver (mainly the grin factor).

The rear-end is one of a number of changes I'm looking at phasing in, including a hi-stall tq converter. I'm just mapping out the order to do this in to try to do it smart. With the hp/tq I'm working toward, I doubt I'd maintain traction with 4.10's.

So the prevailing is 3.23??

Thanks for the help,
Allen

 

easiest way to find out what gear you have. look on the driver's door jamb. look at the RPO sheet. look for GU2 (2.73)or GU5 (3.23)