C6 rear end gearing advice

[avdcav]

Everett morrison
Active 460
C6
8.8 with 3:55's
28 spline

Looking to get a more friendly rear end ratio
It runs great now for local cruising and general spirited driving
But this 3200 gas guzzling highway driving is just a drag now .

Is there a middle ground here ? Not looking for Honda milage
But I do want to enjoy highway driving. I'm looking to just buy
A complete center section I could just swap at will

[trularin]

May I suggest:

1. 5 or 6 speed transmission.
2. 2.73 rear gear ( Last I checked, the 8.8 had a 2.73 )

I had a toploaded with a Boss 351, 4 miles to the gallon. Did a good amount of engine work, took out the toploader and put in a 5 speed with OD. Took the 4.56 gear out and put in a 3.5.

Went from 4 miles to 18 miles.

[YerDugliness]

I like the durability of a C6...but no OD available, so the C6's final drive ratio is just 1:1.

If it were me, I'd go somewhere near 3.23, maybe even a bit lower. Your 460 has enough torque that your biggest problem will still be keeping the tires from breaking loose and you'll like the improved mileage and lower cruising RPM's.

The Ford AOD can be built to withstand some serious power input and has an OD...if you are not already committed to the C6 that might be an option to consider.

Are you sure you have an 8.8" live axle? I ask b/c if yours has a removable "pumpkin", AKA "center section", it is probably a 9". AFAIK, changing out the ring & pinion on an 8.8" Ford differential involves removing a rear cover and approaching the change that way, not as easy as removing a center section from the front of the differential housing and sliding another already assembled "pumpkin" in.

Got pics????

Cheers!

Dugly

[roadrod2000]

Here's a link that might help. Imput your info (tire size, gear ratios, and rear axle ratios) and it will calculate your RPMs at various speeds http://www.gtsparkplugs.com/GearCalc.html

[FWB]

I'm with Dugly on this, FWIW full size 4000 lb cars came with 2.73 or 3.00
if you want to keep the C-6,

I put an AOD in mine, not cheap to make it handle the torque of a big block but wow, what a pleasure to drive. count on 3500.00 plus til your done..

i had a c-6 in mine before, the mount had to be moved slightly and the driveshaft length modified to accommodate the AOD.

[Tom Wells]

avdcav,

I'm using a 2.75 Jag and love it with the C-6. Unless your car is over 3500 pounds, the 460 should have sufficient(!) zip.

Tom