Just wondering what would be the best gear ratio for my mild 383 M6 Camaro. The car currently has 4.10's in it but the 383 build up I am doing is only going to see 6000rpms max and it is mainly a street driven car that see's the track 2-3 times a year. I don't do alot of street racing so coming off the line is not that important but I do like to get on it once in a while from a roll-on. The rear end in the car is the factory 10bolt with torsen diff so I get a little worried about breaking something with a hard launch.

I was thinking of swapping back to my original 3.42's as the low end torque should be drastically improved with the 383 but I have heard the 383 is going to rev a bit slower than the 350 did so would I be better to go 3.73?

I am hoping for the combination to make 380ishrwhp and 400+rwtq but I do have a pretty small cam (XE503) and short tube headers (emissions). Thanks.

 

3.73s all the way

much better than the stock 3.42s but not as crazy as the 4.10s

 

Custom 3.90 Posi woohoo

 

3.73 with stock rear-4.10 with a 12 bolt.

 

I second that.
3.89 in a 9 inch or 3.90 in a 12 bolt.

 

I have a supercharged 383 with a mild cam and a 3.73. If I could, I would go back to my 3.42 because 1st gear is just too low and I take off in 2nd gear almost everytime I am on level ground. 1st is a waste. When I punch it, it's nothing but spinning rubber.

ALso, my gas mileage is now below 20mpg and I would like to see that extra 10% I am missing. It also whines more than I am happy with. Fortunately, 6th gear is still pretty good on the freeway for cruising. Last time I was at the Drags was over 1 1/2 years ago. I don't need to reaffirm my capabilities on a regular basis. The car hasn't changed any in performance anyway.

I have over 143,000 miles, of which about 2 miles are at the drags. That represents a percentage of 99.98601399% of the time, I am driving on the street instead of the drags. (or .0013986% of my time is drag racing)!

 

IMO I would get the car dynoed to see where the power curve is before choosing what final gear ratio to go with. If not then I would also say either 3.73 or 3.90's.

 

Since you've already got the 3.42 gears, I'd suggest using them. I've got a very similar setup to yours (see sig). Mine is mostly street driven, and I'm happy with the 3.42s. But I do think that 3.73s are the perfect ratio... just not different enough for you to spend money when you've already got the 3.42s.

A 9" or 12-bolt is definitely the best way to go, but lots of $$$. I'll only go that route if (when ) my little 10-bolt breaks.

BTW, why would you only rev the engine to 6000? Mine pulls strong up to 6500+.

 

Perhaps a milder cam profile...

 

Im with Ultra Dog on this one.

If you value your rubber I'd keep the 3.42's. Anything higher and 1st is truly useless. Do a few searches and you'll find what you need. But if you still feel you need to absoloutely do something I'd recommend refreshing it and installing a solid pinion spacer for insurance.

Goodluck!

Ruben F.

 

Id stick with the 4:10s.

Their funner

Although if you dont like shifting as much and its going to be used on city driving not out in the country or something where you can just cruise, then go with your 3:42s or 3:73s until you a get a 9"