Getting ready to put 3.73's in my Z. What brand is the most quiet? If there really is such a thing.

 

Some genuine GM replacement gears will probably be the most quiet, followed by Motive.

 

I agree. I have GM Superior 3.73s, which are supposed to be stringer than stock, but still made by GM. No problems to report and I'm happy

 

Here's my experience:

• I've heard that Richmond gears whine .
• I asked the speed shop, but they highly recommended Richmonds.
• I installed Richmond 3.73's, so did a friend with a '95 Z28.
• CONCLUSION: Richmond gears whine .

Yeah, I'm pretty pi$$ed. Fortunately my dad is a mechanic, so the labour is free, but we've had the rear end apart twice within the last couple months after installing these gears. Richmond supplies the proper measurements with a +/- .004" tolerance for pinion depth and backlash. Initially the backlash was .002" above the "proper" amount, so we re-shimmed the carrier to lower the backlash to roughly .002" below, and there was absolutely NO CHANGE in the noise. My buddy with the '95 also has gear whine (not quite as bad as mine) and he had his gears installed at a shop.

Maybe they're not all this bad, but I certainly know of 2 really "whiney" sets of Richmond gears. For safety's sake, try another brand.

 

My strange gears are pretty noisy since making a couple of trips to the track. Are strange gears known for noise??

 

Richmonds do whine man, but they last as well. I have had mine for about three years and PUNISHED them.

<----Has a set of Gm motive 3:73's for sale


(shameless plug for sale)

 

i would say GM is going to be the best.

i have Motive and love them

i had richmond and they lasted okay but they are loud and whiney.

 

Gms will be quieter but the Richmonds will be stronger but louder. Its all a compromise i got Richmonds cause i care about them holding up if I wanted a quiet ride I would have just bought a BMW or Mercedes. Its your car so see what you think.