What good is First Gear?

[Anthony]

Originally Posted by Argess

It feels like first is geared too low, but yet, when I drive normally, first almost seems to high when I leave from a stoplight.

I am using a 3.07 differential with a Richmond Gear 5-speed (standard 1st gear) and a 428 FE.

You need to look at 1st gear multiplication to determine if you're geared right, too low or high. For a BB cobra, I've been told that you want between 8.5 and 9 . So, in your case, 3.27 (1st gear) X 3.07 = 10.0, so you might be geared a little too low, like you stated, however, you're not really that bad out of the ball park. I know some cars use the tremec 3550 with 3.27 1st gear coupled with a 3.73 rear, for a factor of 12.2, much more out of the ball park. I've run a wide ratio TL (2.78 1st gear) with the 3.07 rear for a factor of 8.53, which to me seems fine for drag racing as well as street use. However the richmond 5 speed is a true close ratio tranny, which my TL is not, and I had thought at some point I may replace the WR TL with a richmond 5 speed, but specify the 3.04 1st gear instead of the 3.27 if that was still available.

I have run a BB cobra with a close ratio TL ( 2.32 1st) with a 3.54 rear, factor of 8.21, which to me also seems fine for drag racing and street use.

You just can't put your foot entirely into it until you're moving somewhat, and on a drag strip, it's usually stickier than on the street.

I think you're fine.