GT Performance Mods 2005+ Mustang GT Performance and Technical Information

3.55 to 3.73, is it worth it?

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Old 11/12/08, 09:35 AM
  #21  
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My '05 has 3.55's and my '86 has 3.73's. I can certainly feel a difference between the two, but I don't think the cost to go to 3.73's from 3.55's is justifiable for that small a difference.
Old 11/12/08, 09:39 AM
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Originally Posted by don_w
This is a joke... right?
No, it's not a joke. I drive my Stang about 10 MPH below the posted freeway speed limit (which is 70) to keep it under 2000 RPMs. I get much better fuel economy this way. I do it with the Crown Vic as well because the gearing on the Vic is even worse (2500+ RPM at 70-80 MPH).

I opted for the $87 factory 3.55s but the only other choice was the stock 3.31s, I wish the GT came with 2.73s. I don't see the benefit to more aggressive gearing for a daily driver.

Since I want better fuel economy from a performance car, I've been looking at the 2008-2009 C6 Corvette w/ 4LT, F55 suspension, and dual-mode mufflers. It gets 27+ MPG on the highway and has better gearing, but also does 0-60 in 4 seconds with 436 hp. In comparison, the Mazda3 and Focus only get 28-32 MPG.

Last edited by metroplex; 11/12/08 at 09:40 AM.
Old 11/12/08, 09:52 AM
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Originally Posted by metroplex
No, it's not a joke. I drive my Stang about 10 MPH below the posted freeway speed limit (which is 70) to keep it under 2000 RPMs. I get much better fuel economy this way.
To each his own I guess... fuel economy is a complete non-issue to me.
Old 11/12/08, 11:03 AM
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go with the 4.10's
Old 11/12/08, 01:47 PM
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Originally Posted by don_w
To each his own I guess... fuel economy is a complete non-issue to me.
same here, I didn't buy a mustang for fuel economy

I'm sure you could put in some 2.73 gears, but if you are doing it for fuel economy, it will probably take you quite a while to recover the cost of the gear swap in fuel savings alone.
Old 11/12/08, 04:54 PM
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How about a set of Metco Billet pullies?
Old 11/12/08, 08:08 PM
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I just swapped out my gears for 3.73's since I needed to replace them anyway and I love the feel. Still quite drivable on the highway but I can feel the extra grunt taking off with just my stock set-up.
Old 11/13/08, 08:11 AM
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Originally Posted by Error404
same here, I didn't buy a mustang for fuel economy

I'm sure you could put in some 2.73 gears, but if you are doing it for fuel economy, it will probably take you quite a while to recover the cost of the gear swap in fuel savings alone.
I'd do the gear swap in my garage, so the cost of the gears and materials would be the only issue ($200+).

Like I said, I just wish Ford offered 2.73s and it certainly would HELP their CAFE numbers if 2.73s were standard. They could then offer 3.55s, 4.10s, and 4.30s as $87-$230 factory options or DIO's. Instead, we have 31 different flavors of ugly body cladding and fake hoodscoops to choose from.
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