Wide Or Close Ratio?

[gman]

I picked up a close ratio nascar unit the other day. I'm unsure of wich ratio would be best for my car. I have a 429 (about 400hp),373 rear end, and 295-15 tires.Any coments would be helpful.
Thanks in advance, Gman

[Tom Kirkham]

What do you plan on doing with the car? The set up for driving on the street is different than drag racing which is different than road racing. You need to check and see what gears you really have. The NASCAR gear boxes typically had gears between that of a close ratio and wide ratio. The heavy cup cars had to have something to get them moving. I am guessing that you basically want a street car. My suggestion would be a 3.31 rear with a wide ratio trans. A 3.73 with a close ratio trans would be great on a tight road coarse, but will drive you nuts on the freeway. Of course the car should accelerate like a rocket with the 3.73 gears. In reality with the 3.73 gears any toploader will work will on the street. check out David Kee's web site for further info on "white stripe trannies" and the gear ratios used in the race cars.

[Jeff Frigo]

I would go for a 3.55 or 3.73.

[bmalone]

I have a CR w/ 3.54's and am real pleased with the combo. Like the CR because 1st and 2nd are real tall. Can go beyond 60 in 1st gear (don't have to shift so early, can keep your foot in it a little longer). The torque of the BB and light weight of the car will make up for the taller ratio.

I am at about 3300 -3600 when cruising on the freeway.

Maybe try your CR w/ the 3.73's first and see if you can tolerate the high RPM on the freeway.

[gman]

Tom,I'm going to pound the streets around Pittsburgh with the Cobra. Won't be on the freeway much. The trans is a standard close ratio. Since we're on a budget, I think we'll give it a shot with what we got. Thanks for the input. I'm hoping the next car will be a Kirkham. Thanks Bill ,Tom, and Jeff for your input , Gman