New Gears
 

Ok, so Ive got my body all fixed up and I'm ready for some small drivetrain stuff, my neighbor said I should go with some gears, he said the 3.73 is a good set, but I've read and alot of people say to use a 3.42, I drive about 40% highway, if even. So basically what I'm wondering is what kinds of performance would I get from a 3.73 as opposed to the 3.42, I have a 94' 3.4L v6. Thanks.

basically the higher the gear ratio, the faster acceleration, lower top speed. I dont know specifically the gains youll see from 3.42 to 3.73, but 3.73 will be quicker.

I use to own a 3.4 Camaro and I put 3.73's in it. They were nice around town but absolutely sucked on the highway. If you have 40% highway time I would without a doubt go with the 3.42's.

I guess im one of the best to ask about gears on a 5spd here lol. I've had the stock 3.23's, 3.42's, 3.73's(what im currently using) and 4.10's. I dont do highway very often so its not a huge deal for me. But personally I saw a very small difference between 3.42's and 3.73's. About 400rpm difference at 70 mph. With 3.73's I do about 2800-3000rpm@70mph.

The only reason i'd say to jump to 3.73's, is you wouldnt notice much difference between 3.23's and 3.42's(im not sure if you have M5 or A4 though, so you could have 3.03's).

I like my 3.73s tuned it rides fine on the free way

hey phate, thanks for the info, its an automatic though, im not sure if that would change anything, also what do u mean they were tuned well.

the speedo will be off and i had the car tuned

Ok, and my other question is, how hard is the install, and the tune. My neighbor is like a master mechanic with basically every kind of tool in his garage except a lift. but is it something that i would need to take to a shop?

no, you dont need a lift to do them. the speedo actually has to be recalibrated though. I believe youll have to send in your PCM to a company, or find someone with the software. My speedo has been off for over year now.. I really should have sent the PCM in this winter.. but I have 3.42s and mine is close to 5mph off.