Close ratio has a pretty high 1st gear compared to the wide ratio. I have a close ratio with a 3:31. 1st gear shift point is like 62 mph (26.5" tires at 6000 rpm). ERA suggests one might be happier with a wide ratio when running the TALL (3:31 is typical) rear gear set. I don't know, there are times when I kind of wish I had a lower 1st gear, there are times when I'm glad I have the higher 1st gear!
With about 500 horse I am STILL very "traction challenged" even WITH the high gear AND the sticky BIG letter Goodyears! I've never had a problem "taking off" from even a steep hill, etc. PLENTY torque! Man I LOVE IT when the 2, 3 and 4 shift come around like BAM, BAM, BAM, right up tight against each other! It's AWESOME the way the close ratio keeps the motor right in the power band. 85 into 3rd, 111-115 into 4th. WOW, I love my close ratio!
And with the taller rear gear set cruising aint so bad! SPF is onto something, no more "waste of time" 1st gear and starting out in 2nd for crying out loud!