4:10 gear ratio question....

[Paul Workman]

Mine is the stock 3.45s, and Ami's is 4.10s. Honestly, I'm torn as to which I prefer. Whereas I like the acceleration of the 410s, the speed for "normal" rpm falls short of what...seems desirable (to me), unless I wind it out every time.

And, I believe the 3.45s produce better 1/2 mile speeds due to the fact one has to shift to 5th with the 4:10s. That said, Bob Banks beat me to the 1/2 mile finish line with his comparability modded LT5 engine, but my mph was significantly higher (144.x vs. 138.x).

I run an aluminum FW, so IMO, the "effective" hp to the wheels is greater than the stock dual-mass FW, especially in low(er) gears. This perhaps off-sets some of the advantage of a 4.10 gear (but not all). Point being, there are pros and cons, and something in the middle (e.g., a 3.73 or 3.90?) might be a better fit depending on what you like.

I'm keeping my 3.45s for now. But, I may change my mind later - especially likely if we do a Rocky Mountain Run in the near future. In that venue i can see how the 4.10s (combined with the thin air) may be just the ticket.

And so the debate goes...

[-=Jeff=-]

4.10s make my car a ton of fun on the street...

[Bob Eyres]

This topic always brings out radically different opinions from all the different ZR-1'ers. I respect them all.....but.
You'll notice the overall consensus seems to be that 4.10 gears are a great compromise street gear, and will improve overall driveability. That is my opinion too.

If you think about it, Where, and at what speed, do we have the most fun in our cars? Let's say from 10 mph to 130 mph. Is there anyone outside a few speed freaks that spends a lot of time above that speed? So, if that's where your driving, why not drive a four speed? These 4.10 gears allow you to use four forward gears for normal highway driving, and drag racing, and have two more, 5th for top end, and sixth for mileage. It's a "no brainer".
Even Chris (Killshots), changed his mind after spending more time behind the wheel with his new 4.10's

I've got some experience with manual transmissions. But sold my last three speed stick back in 1963. By that time every sports car enthusiast, hot rodder, or drag racer, was aware that the four speed was the way to go. Anyone that tells you that a stick shift three speed is the best way to cover a quarter mile is, let's be charitable, making a mistake.
Probably, and no one to my knowledge has tested this, the best gear for the quarter in the ZR-1 is 4.56. Any engine that can pull to 7,500 rpm can handle a high gear like that. It's simple math.
Some say,....but then you've got no traction in first. Traction? that's the problem I want to have. You just need a little more tire. And on the street you can always leave from a stop in second gear. You rarely use sixth, why not only use first for hard launches.

Different strokes for different folks. But for the GM test engineers, and me, 4.10's are the ideal street gear for this car.
JMHO.

[XfireZ51]

W Z06 wheels my tires are about 1" taller than stock. I currently am using 3.73 gears. W the taller tire, I'm thinking the 4.10s would work as if a stock tire w maybe 3.73 or possibly 3.90s. Should be a nice combo.

[HIZNHRZ]

Originally Posted by XfireZ51

W Z06 wheels my tires are about 1" taller than stock. I currently am using 3.73 gears. W the taller tire, I'm thinking the 4.10s would work as if a stock tire w maybe 3.73 or possibly 3.90s. Should be a nice combo.

I also have C6 Z06 sized wheels/tires and 4:10 gears. You're spot on.

I had the 4:10s with OE sized wheels/tires for 8 years with no compliants. The taller wheels make a difference though and I can say I like the car with the taller tires better.

[XfireZ51]

Originally Posted by HIZNHRZ

I also have C6 Z06 sized wheels/tires and 4:10 gears. You're spot on.

I had the 4:10s with OE sized wheels/tires for 8 years with no compliants. The taller wheels make a difference though and I can say I like the car with the taller tires better.

What are the differences you find? Gas mileage? Trap speeds? Cruising?
At 60mph, I'm in 6th gear at about 1200rpm. 80mph is somewhere around 1800.

[Vette73]

So the question remains-- should I or shouldn't I....?

Will do a little more research....Maybe I will shoot out to Vette Drs. In Long Island and pick there brain...Will leave the check book home though..Lol..

[WARP TEN]

I put 4.10s in my 93 early on and enjoyed them for many years. When I got the 95 in 2012 it was the first modification I had Marc do. ZR-1s are not torque monsters and the lower gears do help on around town driving and general acceleration, with their 18% torque multiplication increase over 3.45s. If you drag race a lot, many think the 3.45s are best because you don't have to shift into 4th. As Paul W noted, nor do you have to shift into 5th in the half mile as I did. But I only race maybe once every year or two and mostly drive around town so I am happy with the 4.10s. --Bob

[Arctic91]

I have 4.10s in my '90 and 3.45s in my '91. I like the 4.10s much, much better. The car just feels lighter and quicker. I honestly don't see much of a difference in mpg. Sixth is usable at 70 or above and I can skip shift 1-3-5 in most everyday driving situations. I don't usually go to the track or strip, but enjoy spirited driving when I have the chance. Best to drive a car with 4.10s and see what you think, if someone is close by.

Scott

[RussMcB]

For someone on a budget (and with basic mechanical skills and tools), what is the best way to buy 4.10 gears, and get them installed?

TIA.