I have a question about rear end gear options on '08-'09 GT500's. I'm looking on the net
at GT500's and when the dealer gives an option to view the window sticker some list
GT500kr package. Is this the option that gives you the 3.73 rear end gear vs the 3.31?
When I see this on the window sticker I don't recall seeing a price next to it. Why would you
not get the 3.73 if there's no additional cost? I must be missing something??

 

If you don't know what a KR package is, you are missing something. The KR is a special edition that is sent to Shelby American in Las Vegas. It is upgraded there for power, handling and body kit. There should be plenty of info on it on this site and the rest of the web.

3.31 gears are the only gears available on the standard GT500. Others are available and could be added aftermarket.

 

Maybe I didn't word my question well. Check out this link. It's a GT500 with a 3.73 rear end and list gt500kr with a neg price on the window sticker. I've seen several of these in Missouri.

http://apps.dealerconnection.com/dea...432&modelId=89

I know what a GT500KR is, just had a question about the rear end gear option.

 

GT500 KR's are the only GT500's to come with factory 3.73's. I have seen the sticker to a GT500KR at our local dealership I didn't pay close enough attention to see the -210 option. What I did notice was what appeared to be a standard GT500 sticker with a $45k price tag on the passenger window. Then on the front windshield passenger side there was a the final sticker. Showing the extra pricing for the Shelby KR. Nowhere was there a $79,995 sticker or anything like that.

 

Okay, that makes sense. It's confusing for those who don't know that it's not available. If you go to the dealer web site they list this as a GT500. No where it says GT500kr. Then you go to sticker to check options and it list 3.73 Thanks for clearing that up.

http://www.boballenford.com/2008-for...500-c-1791.htm

 

I really wouldn't even know it except I happened upon that GT500KR on the dealers showroom floor a couple of weeks ago. I saw the window sticker and was confused till I saw the windshield sticker. As much as I loved it. It was Black, I hate that V6 spoiler. Alcoa wheels looked awesome though.

 

All of the Shelby cars are sold as their base car (GT, GT500) on the sticker and the Shelby American charges are an additional sticker. The Shelby GTs were done the same way. They are listed as a Mustang GT in the inventory with an upfitters package as an option. The Roush are done the same way.

The same thing with the KRs. They are sold as GT500s and the Shelby stuff is an "aftermarket" upcharge.

 

You are correct, it is confusing. the KR package came available just before I placed my order for my 2008 GT500 in late 2007. When the dealership owner and I were going through the order process on his computer the 3.73 gears showed available for my order, and there was not any indicator that it was a KR only option (even though I already knew it was) so we selected it and hoped it might go through. It did not, it kicked back unavailable.

For the novice or "Newbie" to this and most salesmen too, it is difficult to grasp sometimes. You do have to make an effort if you want to stay on top of these issues.

Your question here is a good example of this. Good luck

 

IMO, putting in a 3.73 would not be advisable in a GT500. It will probably only add to a loss of traction (the GT500 engine has enough torque already to break tires loose in 1st, 2nd and sometimes 3rd). Going from a stock ratio to a 3.73 will only make it worse, unless you like sideways.

In addition, it will probably whine when you get to highway speed (65 MPH). I've run the 3.73 R&P in a 2002 GT, and a somewhat modified '03 Cobra (ended up putting in the 5th and 6th gears from a Viper 6 speed trans to make it liveable). Both were set up by skilled mechanics. But then, what do I know. I've only been driving for 1/2 a century.

 

I have to disagree with your opinion on this, 50 years of driving and all...

The GT500 already has 2 overdriven gears. It exceeds every speed limit in the continental 48 in second gear, 80 miles per hour.

With 3.31/1's you do over 115 in third, other than idling along improving fuel mileage 5th and 6th aren't much use on public roads or most tracks for that matter. In 6th gear at 65 miles per hour it doesn't even pull 1800 RPM.




Power or not the 3.31/1 gears are too high. They really over work the clutch, makes trying to drive it easy, like on my gravel driveway a real pain in the butt. And so you know that is an opinion that comes from driving exclusively manual transmissions for over 3 decades.

GT500 Tremec T6060 six-speed manual
Gear Ratios
1st Gear 2.97
2nd Gear 1.78
3rd Gear 1.3
4th Gear 1.0
5th Gear 0.80
6th Gear 0.63

These "too tall" 3.31/1 rear end gears do a great disservice to the GT500 streetability. 3.73/1 or better 3.90/1 would be ideal for the GT500 with double overdriven transmission. There is a reason they use 3.73/1 gears with the KR, they are needed.

 

FYI: Dug out these these 2008 Shelby GT500KR window stickers and pictures for your review. Shows Optional Equipment: 3.73 Ratio Limited Sip Axle. "No Charge". As stated on this thread. Prices-Ouch! Enjoy!! CalStang

 

[QUOTE=Black GT500;5715209]I have to disagree with your opinion on this, 50 years of driving and all...Power or not the 3.31/1 gears are too high. They really over work the clutch, makes trying to drive it easy, like on my gravel driveway a real pain in the butt. And so you know that is an opinion that comes from driving exclusively manual transmissions for over 3 decades.

My comment was actually directed at the lower gears. First and second in particular. With the torque produced by the GT500 engine, adding more multiplication will reduce traction, and unless you are running drag radials, and a better driver than me, ET in the quarter mile. Yes, the 5th and 6th gears would not be all that adversely impacted. If anything, I'd use a 3.55.