I'm going in to order my 5.0 today (hopefully lol) and I'm still on the fence about the 3.73s.

My car will probably never see a track. Is it worth the $400 in my case? This will be my first mustang so I'm also concerned that the already potent drivetrain combined with 3.73s might be a little much to handle (of course I'd get used to it though).

So what say you? Should I fear the gear?

 

With the 7000 RPM redline and 6 speed gearbox, I would think 373's would be perfect! Well worth the $400 price tag! Gas mileage would be very close to the projected 25 MPG considering my GT/CS with 355's is getting almost 30 MPG when Ford said only 18-23 MPG on the window sticker! Of course I'm talking about a trip of 50 miles or more in 5th gear (6th in your new '11). If you can just avoid the overwealming temptation of sticking your foot in it (which is something I find just about impossible) you will absolutely LOVE it! Otherwise, get out your wallet for a set of new tires! 412 HP+ 390 Ft LBS of torque+ 373 gears = OMG !! I'll bet money that with a set of sticky drag tires out back and a 6 grand hole shot, the front tires will be off the ground at least 3 inches!

 

YES get it, with a 6 speed manual you will be fine. I have 3.73's with a 5 speed and love them...

 

Don't fear the gear

 

I'm not up-to-date on my 2011 mustang order/option list... but does the 3.73's just come by itself? if so that $400 grossly overpriced.

These 3.73's are selling for $175 over at American Muscle
http://www.americanmuscle.com/fopege3ra1.html

Shop around and you can do $120-150.
Perhaps add it on later if not satisfied

 

Absolutely. 3.73 gears are the best balanced.

 

I completely disagree, you're leaving out install costs. There is many a horror story out there about some guy who had gears installed at a local shop or something of the such, only to have a myriad of problems costing a lot of money to make right. $400 dollars for factory installed and warrantied is a great deal.

 

i say go for it. IMO, its better to order them on the car than have 3.55s or 3.31s (do GT's still come with 3.31s on the 5.0?) then down the road in the future think to yourself 'man why didnt i get the 3.73's'

 

And calibrations.

Any mod straight from Ford is a good mod, with warranty.

 

That's like anything else, you hear about the bad news and never the good. There's plenty of well done situations. My brother for instance had 07 done up in that manner. Bought his 3.73's for 145 and install was 125. Never had one single problem and didn't void warranty. To each their own...

 

373's FTW! I just got mine with a 5 speed set up and I'm still wearing them in for another 300 miles. But after that the gloves come off!

Jed

 

Thanks for all the advice guys! Looks like the people have spoken...I'll check this thread again before I head out at 1700 PST

 

You didn't wait for me Jason.


3.73s FTMFW!!!

 

Hard to say. Does the 2011 come with 3.55s? I have taken a look at the 6 speed gear box. From what I can see from the gears and the addition of 100 more horse power and 60 FP more torque, I am thinking that 3.55s will do for you more than what 3.73s do for the 5 speeds. I find my 3.73s to be plenty for non race use. very peppy on the on ramps and 3rd gear passing plus spirited off the signal lights. Not having unintentional peeling out problems is a good thing for not getting tickets for "exhibition of speed" If I was ordering, I think I would give the 3.55s a serious thought. Aggressive driving the 3.55s, racing the 3.73s. They are only 5% apart BTW.

 

I heard one guy got quoted at 1k at a local shop.

Definitely get the 3.73s. I'll slap you if you don't.

 

I had the 331's on my 05 Gt auto,replaced them with 373's and a tune and it became a bear! Got my 10 with a five speed and 355's now I am seriously considering changing to 373's again. I firmly believe the factory installed gears are well worth the money.

 

Standard is 3.31 I believe. Optional are 3.55s and 3.73s. Thanks for the insight

 

For those that went from 3.31 to 3.73 how did it affect your fuel economy?

 

Remember what I told you before, the 3.73s made the car easier to drive for me (keeps the RPMs up in 1st). I'd definitely get them...

 

I went from 3.31 to 4.10 and in stock trim I lost about 2mpg onthe highway and maybe 1 mpg city.
The hardest thing about the gas mileage is keeping your foot out of the gas because it's so much fun.