Being able to exceed 60 in first does wonders for your 0 - 60 acceleration time due to not having to shift. Actually 60 mph in first might be an understatement. A WR Toploader with 3.07 rear and 26 inch tires does 9.1 mph/1000 rpms which with a 6500 rpm motor puts it right around 60 in first. A 2.78 would probably do closer to 65 to 70. Second would be good for around 90 mph +/-. Third for about 125 +/- and fourth for about 160 +/- at 6000.
I consider myself an eco recycler
- that's why I have a 70s block, 61 heads, 63 intake and distributor, and I think my Toploader is from somewhere around 1970. I guess I need to check out the date codes on my Jag differential. I like vintage, nostalgic stuff. When I'm driving and shifting my Corvette or ERA it takes me back to the 60s/70s in my GTO/Corvette/Trans Am days. When I'm driving my 6 speed Mustang GT in traffic I feel like I'm driving a Mack truck by the time I get thru all 6 gears after a light. But, I think I'm repeating myself - guess that makes me "vintage" too.