Hey guys I have a 69 SS with a 12 bolt rear with I think a 4.11 rearend. It is fun to drive but I hate to drive it any long distances because at 55 Mph I'm turning about 2900 RPMs. The 5 speed transmission would be nice but thats another $2500.00. What do you think. would I be better off to just change the gear ratio? I don't race it but do enjoy driving it. I think I would like for the RPMs to be about 2500 RPMs at 55 MPH.

My camaro had 4:11's when I got it but came from factory with 3.08's, so I replaced the 4:11 back to a 3.08 posi and now I cruise all day with no effort. I run about 63mph @ about 2500rpm. Ive gotten up to 21 mpg too :) woohoo at $2.50 per gallon for gas.

I'd change the rear end gear,even if you go to the 5 spd with a 4:11,the first gear I believe is a 2:87 so with a 4:11 thats useless.Changing the rear gear is gonna be cheapest,then if someday you do come over to the 5spd side you wont be changing the gear too.I like my 3:42 alot, even when it was 1 to 1 final drive with my old powerglide,but I had designs on putting a 5spd in and I cant wait. Even 1 to 1 with the 3:42 Ihad plenty of get up and go and was tach friendly cruising as well

I'm gettin spoiled quick.... with the new tko 500 (3.27 first) and a 3.08 rear...
my first is exactly what it would be with an m20 and 4:11's... but in high at 62, the tach is WAY below 2000...speaking of which, my "normal" cruise is about 75 (2300 rpm or so now) you and thunder gonna be able to keep up, Jim?