2010-2014 Mustang Information on The S197 {GenII}

3.55 gears: Any regrets?

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Old Sep 3, 2012 | 06:26 AM
  #41  
Burke985's Avatar
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3.31's are the best gear IMO for all around performance .Less shifting, better mpg and perfect for major power upgrades. I fought the gear demon and I couldn't find a rational reason to change them in the end. Most likely you are going to be happy with what your car came with and I can't really see going from 3:31 to 73 making this car that much faster
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Old Sep 3, 2012 | 09:36 AM
  #42  
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I can compare / contrast 3:31s and 3:73s anytime I hop in my wife's 11 GT and then into my 13 Boss. Her car doesn't pull as hard or feel as quick, but it's perfect for her and what she wants.

For those who don't think you can run a decent 1/4 with 3:73s, check this out;

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Old Sep 3, 2012 | 10:34 AM
  #43  
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Going from 3.31's to 3.73's in my car improved my 1/8th mile easily by about 10/100th's. So it without a doubt makes a difference. A GT with a few bolt ons won't have you in 5th gear on the 1/4. And personally, I still would want 3.73s because whether it's the 1/8th or 1/4, and whether you are NA, or FI, I like RPM wise where'd you be in either 4th or 5th in the 1/4. Although if my car was an automatic, I'd probably like the 3.73's even more. That's just my opinion though. Others might have different opinions depending on how they like to run their cars.

But yes, if economy and cruising fun is more important to you, you probably won't like the 3.73's on the highway. Especially if you have an aftermarket exhaust. So keep that in mind. If pure performance is most important, I think you'll like the 3.73's. If you want a balance, I'd stick with the 3.31's. And if you want higher performance, with a handicapped, but still ok driveablility. I'd go with the 3.55's.
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Old Sep 3, 2012 | 10:40 AM
  #44  
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From: Slidell La.
Originally Posted by db2797
Going from 3.31's to 3.73's in my car improved my 1/8th mile easily by about 10/100th's. So it without a doubt makes a difference. A GT with a few bolt ons won't have you in 5th gear on the 1/4. And personally, I still would want 3.73s because whether it's the 1/8th or 1/4, and whether you are NA, or FI, I like RPM wise where'd you be in either 4th or 5th in the 1/4. Although if my car was an automatic, I'd probably like the 3.73's even more. That's just my opinion though. Others might have different opinions depending on how they like to run their cars.

But yes, if economy and cruising fun is more important to you, you probably won't like the 3.73's on the highway. Especially if you have an aftermarket exhaust. So keep that in mind. If pure performance is most important, I think you'll like the 3.73's. If you want a balance, I'd stick with the 3.31's. And if you want higher performance, with a handicapped, but still ok driveablility. I'd go with the 3.55's.
I think that sums it up pretty well, good post
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Old Sep 3, 2012 | 01:17 PM
  #45  
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3.31's were the only choice w/ my '13 Convertible.. Given that the ratios are different on the MT-82, I have no major desire to change to 3.73's. Maybe if it cost like $250 instead of $500+
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Old Sep 3, 2012 | 01:52 PM
  #46  
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I ordered mine with 3.55s and I have no regrets. It pulls slightly harder than the one I test drove two years ago with 3.31s, but they would have been just fine. I'm glad I didn't go with 3.73s cuz the tires turn easy enough as is... I went 3.55 because I plan on supercharging her in a couple years and figured it was a good compromise. I think I made the right choice for a NA setup, I think I might even swap out to 3.31 if and when I get the supercharger.
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Old Sep 3, 2012 | 02:09 PM
  #47  
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For some reason Canadian cars dont get the option for 3.55 gears. It was either 3.31 or 3.73 so I went with the 3.73s
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Old Sep 3, 2012 | 02:28 PM
  #48  
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From: pa
actually the a6 only has a gearing advantage over the mt82 in 1st gear. In all the other gears the mt 82 has a gearing advantage.
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Old Sep 5, 2012 | 03:46 AM
  #49  
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[QUOTE="db2797"] But yes, if economy and cruising fun is more important to you, you probably won't like the 3.73's on the highway. Especially if you have an aftermarket exhaust. So keep that in mind.



Bd2797, please explain the after market exhaust and 3.73 significance and how it may apply to the axle backs. I have the 2013 track pack (3.73 gears). I am willing to except the drone noise that will come from a SLP install, but I am not aware of a potential loss of fuel consumption.

Last edited by pcanno167; Sep 5, 2012 at 03:48 AM.
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Old Sep 5, 2012 | 05:33 AM
  #50  
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My 2 cents, for what it's worth....the 3:31's appear to be the best "street" and mild road course gear that these street Mustangs are going to see. Add to it the gas mileage, and the 3:31 wins.
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Old Sep 5, 2012 | 03:58 PM
  #51  
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Originally Posted by pcanno167

Bd2797, please explain the after market exhaust and 3.73 significance and how it may apply to the axle backs. I have the 2013 track pack (3.73 gears). I am willing to except the drone noise that will come from a SLP install, but I am not aware of a potential loss of fuel consumption.
Yes, I'm mainly referring to the drone. I have the magnaflow catbacks with BBK headers and there's definitely drone there. Nothing that bothers me and definitely not severe. But when driving with my girlfriend, it definitely makes conversation a tad harder. I know it would bother most people who don't value performance more than a slight drone. This car stock rides much more luxury. But with the exhaust and gears, it's a different beast. Again, the beast I wanted which is why I modded it. But like I said, I think for most people if you're on the fence, there's a good chance you won't like it.
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Old Sep 9, 2012 | 02:11 PM
  #52  
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I had 3.73's in my first boss then 3.55's in my 13 Gt and didnt think it was too much of a difference (I know the boss makes a little more power). But now that I am back in to a 13 Boss I really like the 3.73's in it.
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Old Sep 9, 2012 | 04:28 PM
  #53  
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Originally Posted by db2797

Yes, I'm mainly referring to the drone. I have the magnaflow catbacks with BBK headers and there's definitely drone there. Nothing that bothers me and definitely not severe. But when driving with my girlfriend, it definitely makes conversation a tad harder. I know it would bother most people who don't value performance more than a slight drone. This car stock rides much more luxury. But with the exhaust and gears, it's a different beast. Again, the beast I wanted which is why I modded it. But like I said, I think for most people if you're on the fence, there's a good chance you won't like it.
Bd2797, I know exactly what you mean now. I installed them yesterday and they have a very aggressive sound. I prefer the performance more, so the sound is what I have been waiting to hear.

My 15 year old son tells me They are overboard...LOL. I tell you what, I can't hide when I take off. If I am riding up, I can produce a softer sound if in forth gear while going slow. I got a wife so I don't have much to prove any more -she knows I am loud anyway!
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