4 spd vs 5 spd pros and cons

[BAsque1]

Originally Posted by Chadtidlund

To all Cobra replica owners reading new posts,

I'm looking to buy a fully assembled roller from Unique Motorsports in the near future and would like some feedback on what manual transmission to get; a 4 spd or 5 spd. The car will have a big block 428 pushing about 550 horsepower and will mostly be driven daily (during summer) short distance on the street; I will probably only drive on fwy or hwy occasionally. I want the car to be fast to 60 mph and in the 1/4; I'll probably take the car to the drag track (1/4 mile only) a few times to see how well it and I can do. Could also use some advice on what rearend ratio would be optimal for my intended uses; I was thinking somewhere between 3:31 to 3:73 but am wide open to suggestions.

Sincerely,
Chad

Hi Chad:
My car has 427 Side Oiler dynoed at 550 or so and I have a 5 Speed Doug Nash, I know they are mostly used for drag racing but I am happy with the fact that at 60 mph I am at about 2300 rpms in 5th gear. I have a 3:31 rear end. My only grip is that it is a hard shifting tranny and a very close H patern.
Hope this helps
Lou