Currently, I have a 427BB with a Comp Cam hydrolic with a .575 valve lift, 4:88 gears, and a 4-speed saginaw. I run Fronts: 225/55/16
Backs: 255/50/16.

I would like to have my gears changed to something more 'streetable'. I definitely love the neck pain/aches everyone receives after riding with me, but I would like to be able to cruise at 60mph without hitting 3500rpm.

Any thoughts on gears? I have read that many like the 3:73...what about 3:55? Any other suggestions?

I will only be on the street, but I definitely need to get from redlight to redlight with no problem as well. :)

Any input is welcome. thanks.

Unless you change your carrier you may be limited to 3:73's. If you have to change the carrier that will double the cost to change gears. I went from 4.56 to 3:73. `Sorry havnt tried them yet, car is in paint.

What are thoughts on cost?

1) Without changing the carrier?
2) With changing the carrier?

I have a similar tire and wheel combo and changed from 4.56 gears to 3.73 and am satisfied with them for the street. I live in a rural area and would have to drive for an hour before I found a road that I can legally drive faster than 55 MPH so the 3.73's work well with me.

I spent about $500 to change gears, for parts. I think a series 3 carrier is about 500-600. Whatever you do dont buy cheap gears. I bought summits house brand and couldnt get a good pattern, had to ship them back. Locally, for a bench job ( you drop off your rear at a shop) they wanted $300 for labor.

Aaron:

If you have that Cam matched for the 4.88's your right all you got is a Strip Machine and not what I personally consider a car. Keep in mind that as you lower the gear ratio you will most likely require a cam with less duration to broaden the torque curve. I do not know your Static Compression but assuming it is around 9.5 to 10.1, I recommend Comp Cams Extreme Marine cam something like the XM278H-12 or XM282H-12 and run 3.31 gears. A manual tranny loves that profile and the 112 LSA - Check out the spec's at Comp Cams site. You can usually get a good used set of 3.31's out of a full sized Chevy for around $50 on line and trade for a 3 series carrier.

Don't you just love screaming along at 4500 rpm at 50 mph and 6 MPG with all the Ricers and the occasional 68 VW Bug, zipping by you on the freeway - LOL

I think you would like 3.73s. I run them and have the same size tire you have. I can cruise at 60 at about 2800 rpm. Car still has plenty of pickup in 4th. I've got 4.10s in my cuda and I am turning 3,000 rpm at 55 in it. 3300 at 60. The lower gear makes it more fun to play with on the street, but it sucks for hwy driving.

Thanks for the feedback. I might look into a different cam in the future...far future. I just replaced the cam when I had the motor rebuilt, so peso is quite low.

The mechanic who rebuilt the motor didn't say anything about matching the cam to the 4:88's. They knew that I was going to change the rear-end.

It sound's like i might need to get 3:73's. Easier cruising but still plenty of pickup and go.

thanks for your thoughts.

Just to be safe, your going to have to crack the cover off the rear and make sure a spacer wasnt used. You "could" have a 3 series carrier. Post a pic if your not sure.

I have 3.55s and personally i think they are the perfect compromise between street and performance.

I really like my 3.36's (8.2) 3000 rpm @ 65 mph and plenty of 1/4 mi oomfff 12sec's