I'm putting together a tubro 2.3 with T-5 Pinto. It currently has an 8" rear with 2.79 gears in it. I can get 3.00 gears locally for $50. Should I go with them are the ratio still too low for regular driving? Should I hold out in hopes of finding 3.25 or 3.40 gears?
Howdy,
Although that 2.3 turbo and tranny will pull that gearing for moderate driving, I would hold out for 3:40's if you can. My '72 runabout with a mildly altered N/A 2.0L and 4 spd with a gutted interior , would barely accelerate around a corner in second gear with 3:00 gears.
I woke it up with the 3:40 and Traction Lok posi and could still cruise the Fwy at 60 with decent mileage.
I know that your turbo & trans gives you options, But unless you need top end speed only ...
Above subject is moot if High boost and Nitrous are used :D
Good hunting..
Pintosopher
I run a 3.55 gear behind my 2.5 turbo and it works great.
Picked up a 3.25 set tonight for $60 plus $12 S&H.
Should go good with the Traction-Loc carrier.
Now I'm wondering if any of you T-5 guys remember what speedometer gears that you're using with those rear ratios.
What ratio 1st gear does your T-5 have AND what tire size are you going to run? That can make a lot of difference.
I have the T-5 from an 88 Turbo Coupe and it has the 3.97 1st gear. I calculated it out and that transmission with 3.00 gears is dead on equal to the first and second ratios of the 3.35 1st gear transmission running through a 3.55 rearend. That is basically what a V-8 Mustang had. It does climb from there over the other trans and the 5th gear overdrive is equal to a 1 to 1 ratio (essentially 4th gear) and a 2.40 rearend ratio. The Pinto is about 1,000 pounds lighter than the T-Bird so I'm thinking it shouldn't be too bad.
Also, tire size factors in. Changing tire size does the exact same thing as changing ratios except it is a lot faster and easier. I opted for the 3.00 because it would allow me to run tall 13" through short 15" tires with little change in overall effect. I see you bought some 3.25 gears. That is the ideal ratio if you ask me. I only had the option of 3.55 or 3.00 at the time I found my 8".
Below I will list some work I did in the matter comparing the stock Turbo Coupe to the proposed 15" tires and the available ratios:
MPH (65) X Trans Ratio (.80) X Rear Ratio X 336
Tire Diameter
Tire Sizes All Spec. Size
185/80-13, 24.7" Stock Pinto Tire
215/60-15, 25.2" Proposed Tire
225/60-16, 26.6" Stock Turbo Coupe Tire
All @ 65 MPH with .80 5 Speed
Stock Turbo Coupe, 26.6" Tires (225/60-16), 3.55 Stock Rear Ratio = 2331 RPM
Pinto 25.2" Tires (215/60-15) 3.40 Rear Ratio = 2357 RPM
Pinto 25.2" Tires (215/60-15) 3.00 Rear Ratio = 2080 RPM
Pinto 24.7" Tires (205/60-15) 3.00 Rear Ratio = 2122 RPM
Pinto 25.2" Tires (215/60-15) 3.25 Rear Ratio = 2253 RPM
for what its worth, auto turbo coupes came with 373s and sticks came with 355s. they both got very good milage....if you kept your foot out of it.
bob
Here is a good link for those of us that did not pay attention in math class....... ???
http://www.coastdriveline.com/htmlfolder/calculator2.html (http://www.coastdriveline.com/htmlfolder/calculator2.html)
Really nice Excel & Works spreadsheets for 5-speeds, every variable (rear, trans gears, tire height, etc) user-changeable, here: http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/bvillecar/bville-spreadsheet-index.html#Five%20Speed%20Car (http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/bvillecar/bville-spreadsheet-index.html#Five%20Speed%20Car)
Mike
Quote from: Mike Modified on November 19, 2008, 09:42:36 AM
Really nice Excel & Works spreadsheets for 5-speeds, every variable (rear, trans gears, tire height, etc) user-changeable, here: http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/bvillecar/bville-spreadsheet-index.html#Five%20Speed%20Car (http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/bvillecar/bville-spreadsheet-index.html#Five%20Speed%20Car)
Mike
cool site. got me searching for some other stuff too. like some old bonneville pics