Close or Wide Ratio Trans?

[Bulletpruf]

Fellas -

Looks like I'm going to start off with a T-10 4 speed in my '71 Javelin Trans Am clone. It will see some time on the street, and some time doing autocross, maybe some top speed stuff, but no drag racing. Given that, I should go with a wide ratio trans, right?

Also - the car will be fairly light - manual steering, brakes, stripped interior. 401 has 500 hp now; likely to improve.

Thanks,

Scott

[Bulletpruf]

No thoughts? Leaning towards the close ratio trans now.
Thanks,
Scott

[Randy67]

I prefer the close-ratio myself, especially since you're not drag racing. It depends on the rear axle ratio as well. 3.73 and steeper love close, while taller gears work better with wider ratios.

[TnBlkC230WZ]

With 3.73 or lower, I'd put a 2.64 or 2.88 first gear in. I had an M21 and converted it to an m20. I got tired of the 1st to 4th gear shifts. 2nd and 3rd were kind'a useless on the street.

If you are on really tight autocross coarses, a 2.43 first gear may work as you would rarely get to second, but you will have more difficulties oversteering the car in tight corners.

[chicane67]

Close ratio...

[Bulletpruf]

With 3.73 or lower, I'd put a 2.64 or 2.88 first gear in. I had an M21 and converted it to an m20. I got tired of the 1st to 4th gear shifts. 2nd and 3rd were kind'a useless on the street.

If you are on really tight autocross coarses, a 2.43 first gear may work as you would rarely get to second, but you will have more difficulties oversteering the car in tight corners.

I ended up with a nice 2.43 close ratio tranny from a 69 AMX. We'll see how it works for now. Likely replacement will be a Jericho.

Thanks,

Scott

[jknight16]

Even in my light, fiberglass-intensive Camaro with 245 front street tires, I gladly sacrificed some pounds to get power steering. And if you're autocrossing, you'll be faster with power assist. I'd find a way to cut the weight somewhere else.