3.55 or 3.73 gears?
10/23/12, 02:37 PM
#22
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Originally Posted by IguanaKeepr
I had the same question last month. I too had the stock 2.73 gears. I thought about 3.31 and 3.55 but the 3.73 were recommended. 3.31 would not be enough to justify the cost and 3.73 (from posts I read on this and other forums) would have cut too much highway fuel economy for my taste. I split the difference and went with 3.55.
The car is really more enjoyable to drive now and my gas mileage has actually improved in the city. I probably drive about 85% city / 15% highway.
It's much quicker at take off and will downshift easier on the interstate. It feels close to my 2007 GT. RPM's are slightly higher on the the interstate but not really noticeable otherwise.
I had a mechanic that runs his own shop (used to work for Ford) install them and he charged me $500. He supplied the bearing kit, gear oil, etc. I just dropped off the gears and the car. I would recommend Ford Racing gears. Some people reported problems with other brands.
I'm sure most people will recommend 3.73 but I'm very happy with the 3.55.
Good luck!
10/23/12, 02:45 PM
#23
A Man Just Needs Some....
Originally Posted by NakedCat
I also drive primarily city and I'm definitely going Ford Racing for the gears. Still not sure yet on ratio though.
10/26/12, 03:51 AM
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10/26/12, 06:04 AM
#28
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If you are going to spend the time & money on a gear upgrade, go for the 3.73s. I can tell you I can really feel more performance from my Mustang compared to the wife's. Sure the Boss has more HP than the '11 GT, but my butt dyno tells me that when I drive her car that I can tell the difference in the distance traveled on the main stretch of road when stepping on the gas and rowing through the gears. Normal acceleration from point A to point B, the extra 32 HP on my car isn't really going to make that much of a difference, so to me it gives me an idea of what you are getting with the different ratios. All things being equal, I would say that I would end up at point B a tick faster with the same amount of gas and shifting at the same RPM.
As far as the gas mileage, to me the difference is negligible. When I drive around town, with lots of stop and go, it's probably only about 17 for me, but when I commute to work, I average over 20 mpg, and that's usually going around 70-75 on the highway. When I would drive my wife's GT before I got my Boss, I would experiment to see how much MPG I could squeeze out of hers. Lots of coasting in neutral down hills, and very easy on the throttle you can really have an impact on your MPG just by your driving style.
If you went for the 3.55s you might say to yourself, 'why did I bother?' or 'so this is it huh?'. Get the 3.73s, you'll be glad you did.
And if you have an extra 700 lying around, you could always replace that boat anchor drive shaft with a nifty aluminum one.
As far as the gas mileage, to me the difference is negligible. When I drive around town, with lots of stop and go, it's probably only about 17 for me, but when I commute to work, I average over 20 mpg, and that's usually going around 70-75 on the highway. When I would drive my wife's GT before I got my Boss, I would experiment to see how much MPG I could squeeze out of hers. Lots of coasting in neutral down hills, and very easy on the throttle you can really have an impact on your MPG just by your driving style.
If you went for the 3.55s you might say to yourself, 'why did I bother?' or 'so this is it huh?'. Get the 3.73s, you'll be glad you did.
And if you have an extra 700 lying around, you could always replace that boat anchor drive shaft with a nifty aluminum one.
10/26/12, 07:21 AM
#30
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If it was me, and it might be later this year, I would go with 3.55s. Keep in mind that the OP has a v6 so mileage is not a negligible concern. The jump from 2.73 to 3.55 will be more than noticeable, but not completely destroy his mpg. Also traction will be a major concern on the stock 225 tires with 3.73s.
10/26/12, 08:16 AM
#31
Legacy TMS Member
Originally Posted by 2012BLKV6
If it was me, and it might be later this year, I would go with 3.55s. Keep in mind that the OP has a v6 so mileage is not a negligible concern. The jump from 2.73 to 3.55 will be more than noticeable, but not completely destroy his mpg. Also traction will be a major concern on the stock 225 tires with 3.73s.
Edit, I just saw you said with the 225s...that, however, could be a concern haha
Last edited by laserred38; 10/26/12 at 08:17 AM.
10/26/12, 08:40 AM
#32
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No it won't. Plenty of 05-09 GT cars (including all the Bullitts) run 3.73s and don't spin their tires off, and they have a lot more torque. You will have quicker acceleration and be able to do burnouts easier, without giving up too much mpg. That's it.
Edit, I just saw you said with the 225s...that, however, could be a concern haha
Edit, I just saw you said with the 225s...that, however, could be a concern haha
Obviously, for performance, the 3.73s are better. IMO, on the 3.7 and the way the MT-82 is geared on the v6, the 3.55 would be better overall for a DD. it really depends what else he is going to do to the car, and how he uses it.
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