Toploader

[xb-60]

Hi Joe,

I'm surprised that the gearing (in first gear) is a problem when you have the torque of a 427 FE driving through a CR Toploader to a 3.55 rear end.
I checked on the Second Strike Gearing Calculator, and the overall gearing (first gear) on my WR Toploader and 2.92 diff. is identical to your (first gear) gearing.

My car is yet to turn a wheel so I don't necessarily know what I'm talking about, but with such a light weight car, I can't see it will be a problem for me (engine is a 302W).

I had my Toploader rebuilt by David Kee's agent here in Adelaide, South Australia, and it cost me around 3/4 of the price of a new Toploader, if that information helps your decision regarding buying a new Toploader or rebuilding yours.

Cheers,
Glen

[1795]

Originally Posted by xb-60

Hi Joe,

I'm surprised that the gearing (in first gear) is a problem when you have the torque of a 427 FE driving through a CR Toploader to a 3.55 rear end.
I checked on the Second Strike Gearing Calculator, and the overall gearing (first gear) on my WR Toploader and 2.92 diff. is identical to your (first gear) gearing.

My car is yet to turn a wheel so I don't necessarily know what I'm talking about, but with such a light weight car, I can't see it will be a problem for me (engine is a 302W).

I had my Toploader rebuilt by David Kee's agent here in Adelaide, South Australia, and it cost me around 3/4 of the price of a new Toploader, if that information helps your decision regarding buying a new Toploader or rebuilding yours.

Cheers,
Glen

Glen,

The problem is not related to power, it's that with that gear combo (which is basically the same to what I have in the race car) in city driving you will spend most of your time in first gear. The close ratio was a very tall first gear, which you rarely use on a race track, so that the ratio's between 2-4 can be closer and avoid large rpm drops between gears.

Jim

[blykins]

A wide ratio conversion will make a huge difference. I would take time to put one of the new 1-1/8x26 input shafts in as well, so the clutch choice options will open up.

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by 1795

Glen,

The problem is not related to power, it's that with that gear combo (which is basically the same to what I have in the race car) in city driving you will spend most of your time in first gear. The close ratio was a very tall first gear, which you rarely use on a race track, so that the ratio's between 2-4 can be closer and avoid large rpm drops between gears.

Jim

Jim, totally understand what you're saying.
With my diff. gearing (2.92:1), my setup will in effect be similar to a five speed gearbox with no first gear.
A Cobra "in city driving"? I'm lucky enough to live within minutes (and with no traffic lights) of the great driving roads of the Adelaide Hills, so no need to go cross town for country cruising.

Cheers,
Glen