Sudden realization...or stupidity??

Jun 11, 2004 2 Replies

Okay...I have the stock gears still in my 89 GT. 2.73's if you weren't aware. I was talking with a friend last night about our experiences at the dragstrip. Same setup for him and he was hitting 3rd gear at the traps.



I shift into 3rd as I cross the traps. So, obviously something was different. We were both basically going up to redline...maybe a touch before. So, theoretically, we should be hitting at the same time. I know, two completely different drivers.



He asked about my transmission. I told him it was a rebuilt out of a 95. "Ahhhh", he says. I have the T-5 that came out of the 95 V6. Of course, the input shaft was changed so it would work in my car, but it is the same tranny. He tells me that it IS the same, but the gear ratio on them are different.



Does anyone know what the difference is? Would this account for me not getting into 3rd gear before the traps? I am trapping something like 87-89. I can easily run 85 in second gear, without hitting redline.



I got a really good deal (read: free)on some 3.27's. I am going to put those in until I can afford some 3.55's. Any idea what kind of difference I will have in the quarter?



Thanks,



Don Manning



There are a whole bunch of variables that come into play here. Among them are: Tire height. 60ft time. (If your friend is accelerating 60 ft faster, he will be going faster at the end.) Driving style, shift points, etc. Two cars with identical transmissions and final drive ratios can be completely different in the way they behave on the drag strip. Bill

Also another variable as Bill's post mentioned:

What the RPM's that you are leaving the tree at, compared to the RPM's he is leaving at. The 60 foot times are a measure of acceleration, and are for helping you establish a consistent starting point. Also to improve your 60 foot times adds to your final MPH.

I hope this helps?

Refinish King

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