Final Gear Ratio,tire Diameter,converter?

[toofun]

I was reading an article called The Numbers Game in CHP Aug. 2002 It was talking about gear ratios and how they affect performance. They say that the optimal Final Gear Ratio for a street car is around 10:1. I realize that if you multiply the first gear ratio by the rear gear ratio you can get your final gear ratio, BUT they say things like tire diameter and the torque converter have an effect on it as well. I am trying to find the best rear gears to run for my application.

I have a small block chevy that duplicated the GOODWRENCH QUEST motor CHP built. I currently have a 2400 stall converter in a th-350 with 3.42 rear gears. My wheels are 26.8 inches tall. What would my final gear ratio be with this application given that I have the tires and converter I have. Also, what would be the optimum gears to run for the street with this application? I also am thinking of running a 200r4 or a 700r4 OD tranny for this car as well so any input on what gear I should run with that would be helpful as well. Sorry so long but trying to be thorough.

Thanks in advance

Mark
TOOFUN

[Kenova]

Here's a calculator I like to use. It doesn't account for torque converter ratios, but takes care of everything else.
http://forcedpsi.com/Calculators.html
Ken

[astroracer]

Here is a real nice calculator from Performance Trends...
http://www.performancetrends.com/tg.htm
Here is one that is free...
http://www.et-studios.com/motorsports/gears/gears.html

The nice thing about the O.D. is being able to run a steeper gear for stoplight action and still being able to pull down 2K RPMS at highway speeds.