4 spd vs 5 spd pros and cons

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by AC Ventura

Can I just clear something up?

I thought the optimal 1st gear ratio was 8.2:1 which is the w/r t/l with 2.78 X 2.88. The very thing I had at the beginning. But Dan said it would bog down on take off, and others agreed.

So now it seems somewhere in the 9s is correct, which is the w/r t/l 2.78 but with the 3.31 or 3.54 rear end. Alternatively, the 2.87 TKO 600 with the 3.31 which makes 9.5 and has a choice of 5ths, .62 or .82.

If 9s are correct, I have to reluctantly agree, the TKO has the same ratios 1-4 as the w/r t/l but with the choice of a 70+ cruising. Hmmmm....

So what is the target for 1st please, 8.2 or something beginning with a 9,

Just giving you my opinion, but I wouldn't want a 2.88 final drive ratio. For one thing, getting out of the hole in 1st gear would not be optimal, sluggish really and could lead to premature clutch wear. Secondly, a 2.88 rear with an OD (5th gear) will likely put your cruising RPM too low in 5th gear. So a Toploader would make more sense here, if you didn't want the 5-speed for some reason. Can a 2.78 1st gear and 2.88 final drive ratio work? Sure. But I know I wouldn't be happy.

Lastly, as I mentioned earlier, unless your short on money and/or you desire period authenticity or "THE FEEL", then the 5-speed is your only choice. BUT, the cost difference between Tremec and Toploader is a rounding error on a $50,000-150,000 Cobra and I find the "THE FEEL" and "period correctness" points/arguments some sort of psychosis that can be cured with drugs prescribed by a doctor.