llasov

Re: 2012 V6 convertible 6sp manual.

The car came with 2.73 rear. On first thought I wanted to change out the 2.73 with 3.73. After some research, and more in style with my type of driving, I have reconsidered switching to 3.31's instead. I want more lower rpm's power (1000-3000 range) and a more usuable 6th gear. I don't race and the car will never see a track.

Does anyone have any experience with the 3.31 rear in a Mustang similar to mine.?

Also would a Bama tune provide the same results?

hogasswild

I don't have a convertible, but my car came with 3.31s from the factory and are also in the performance package. I don't understand what you mean by wanting lower rpms. Do you mean cruising rpms? At what speed?

Pretty much all the mods people discuss in here have some sort of performance effect such as intakes, throttle bodies, headers, catback exhausts, tunes and gears.

I switched to 3.73s and never looked back. I still get 28-29 mpgs. I have a bunch of other mods though. My new intake manifolds are being ported as we speak.

llasov

Sorry I wasn't clear. But yes, I meant cruising rpms. I don't want to listen to engine drone while traveling the highway on trips. Do you think I would notice an improvement going from the 2.73 to the 3.31?

hogasswild

If you're looking for quiet, stick with 2.73s. Anything you do to this car to make it faster will make it louder. 60mph with 3.31s was something like 1750 rpm. With 3.73 gears, I'm turning about 2,000 rpms.

JCStang

3.31 is a good gear, when I was shopping drove a V6 with the 2.73's and manual tranny, was ok but missing off the line power...bought the V6 with the performance package with the 3.31 and it felt much quicker off the line, but very quiet at cruising speeds.

AMWill

llasov,

I see where you're coming from, wanting extra power, but not interested in racing. I think the 3.31 gears would be perfect for you, actually. They'll give the car a little more pep in lower RPM's and give you a more useable 6th gear. Plus, a Bama tuner will also give you more low end TQ and help improve the same issue. Also, our Bama tuners will recalibrate the speedometer for aftermarket gears.

Let me know if you have any other questions!

Shane

Fintile

I agree. Did the same thing. Got a free install of 3.31s and a tuner. Car felt so much better. It felt alive and the throttle really responds with the Hybrid tune. I can now pass in 6th gear ,it's not fast but picks up well. Before I had to down shift to 5th or 4th to pass and it got real annoying.

llasov

I went with the 3.55s. I really hate 6th gear as I find it mostly useless. The install is scheduled for this Thursday. Just wondering, were you told that 500 miles after install you would need to have a gear oil change? I've heard it's true and I've heard it's not.

mariusvt

I look forward to hearing what you think about them. I too am considering the 3.55's because I doubt my car will ever see the track but the 2.73's are a slouch and I couldn't convince the dealer to install 3.31's as part of the deal.

michael 20

Do you have to do it through ford?

mariusvt

No, I had meant the dealership install the 3.31's as part of the selling price of the car. You don't have to do anything with Ford when it comes to changing gears.

hogasswild

Break in is no longer required.

llasov

Been driving with the 3.55s for almost 2 months now. Really glad I replaced the 273's. Feels much quicker off the line. Fifth and especially 6th gear are useable and enjoyable. Much, much nicer to drive. Gas mileage with street tune is down to about 25 mpg. Thinking about trying the 87 or 91 performance tune.

hogasswild

I got my best MPGs with the race tune. The performance tune does get better MPGs compared to the street tune. At least they did a couple years ago. I use the race tune exclusively now.

llasov

Will try the performance tune. Should I expect a noticeable difference between the 87 and the 91 performance tune? Both in performance and mpgs.

Rodimus_prime

if your not at the track I'd stick with the 2.73s, I spent the optional 500 bucks for the 3.31 rear and I wish that I didnt the gearing is kinda dumb and clearly meant for the 2.73. Also that 31mpg highway claim is null and void with the 3.31 your lucky to get 26 highway out of it

Mickstang

I have the V6/3.31 setup, and I get around 26 mpg driving around town. On the interstate, I can get 31-32. Your driving style will have a great impact on your mileage whatever gear ratio you're running.

Dhawk1313

Man I wish I got that kinda mileage in town. I have the 3.31 rear and I'm averaging 17 lol. So disappointing. Granted the car only has 800 miles on it and I have dropped the hammer more then a few times... But still even taking it really easy in town ( shifting around 2-2.5) still only gets me around 18 :/

Ajcruz1

I have 3.55 and manage 20-22 in the city and I can get around 28 on the highway. Gotta shift at 2k and make it a smooth acceleration. Not a fast one. When I want to get good gas mileage I just cruise and take my time. Also your Stang is still new so it will take some more time before you see better mileage. Gotta break her in a little bit. Mines was the same at first then it got better until I installed the gears

llasov

The 3.55 made a significant difference. Gas mileage has decreased but not terribly. If I can believe the computer, yesterday's mpg were 26 and change, with mostly 6th gear driving.

Which tune do you use for everyday driving?