4 spd vs 5 spd pros and cons

[Bernica]

Well written 427sharpe! Nice job and I enjoyed it.
To the OP, you are clearly getting a lot of opinions here, but no one can decide but you. That's how it works...

[blykins]

IMO, one of the biggest factors in choosing a transmission is the camshaft. When my customers order TKOs, I'll do an rpm/gear ratio calculation and figure out where they will be on cruise rpm.

Most guys want a lumpy cam and lumpy cams generally don't like to be lugged at low rpm. I'll usually pair the engine with a .82 OD to aid in that.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by blykins

IMO, one of the biggest factors in choosing a transmission is the camshaft. When my customers order TKOs, I'll do an rpm/gear ratio calculation and figure out where they will be on cruise rpm.

Most guys want a lumpy cam and lumpy cams generally don't like to be lugged at low rpm. I'll usually pair the engine with a .82 OD to aid in that.

Do you mean the biggest factor in choosing a transmission is which Tremec 5th gear to choose? That I know is debated here and often and definitely the camshaft size, tire size and type of driving matters.

But with the gears of the Tremec TKO600 being so close to the WR Toploader, and of course the 4th gear being 1.00 in each tranny, the only choice IMO for lumpy or non-lumpy cams is still the 5-speed.

My cam is fairly middling (245/252 @ 0.50), in terms of lumpiness, and I chose the .82 Tremec. And the .82 5th gear works perfectly for me cruising around town and the freeways.

Lastly, the OP hasn't even checked back since posting this thread, so he or she may have "left the building."

[Bernica]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Lastly, the OP hasn't even checked back since posting this thread, so he or she may have "left the building."

Yup. 4 pages of input in response to the OP's question, and nothing. I hate when that happens!!