I have a 68 camaro with a muncie 4spd and I am wondering the best gears, some interstate driving, 350 samll block with a nitrus upgrade in the future, will the 3:73's be too much? Also they are going in an 8.2 rear end, am I limited on what gear I can install?

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My 68 is my dream, my
passion and my blood
sweat and tears.

If you are using the stock 8.2 inch rear, you can put in pretty much any gear ratio you want, but the carrier might not be the right one for the gear. Different carriers are made for different gears. Most of the 8.2 inch rears came with 2 something gears up to the low 3 somethings. While you are doing this, it would be a good time to put in a posi unit, then you can get the carrier to fit whichever gear you go with and get both rear wheels spinning instead of just one.

About the nitrous, the 10 bolt rear can take some power but maybe not as much as you are planning on putting through it.

As far as gear ratios, 3.73 are a little low (numerically high) if you are going to do mainly highway cruising. They are a good accelleration gear, but you will be pushing around 3000rpm at 65mph with 26.5 inch tires. A good compromise would be something closer to 3.31-3.42. It really all depends on what you are willing to put up with though.

It all depends on what you want. 3.73's are a bit much for highway driving. Depending on tire size, you'll be in the neighborhood of 3000 rpm's at 60 mph with that 4-speed. If I had to pick a good "all around" gear I'd go for something in the 3.40-3.50 range. But then again, if the rpm's don't bother you... go for it.

Mark

Sheeesh, you posted while I wasn't lookin' there boodlefoof

[This message has been edited by mbrekke (edited 03-09-2001).]

Sorry Mark. Hey, seems like we were thinkin along the same lines though.

I have a chance to get a 3.23 posi 10 bolt rearend for really cheap (my girlfriend's uncle had it in his bel-air before he tricked out his rearend). if i currently run m-21 and 2.73's, will there be a really big difference, or should I just buy the stuff needed to go to 3.55 (which is my max due to freeway driving) with posi? and how friendly are 3.23 and 3.55 to freeway driving?

Lil_beast, go for it if it's cheap enough. I have 3.55' with a TH400. I'd like to have 3.23's to be able to cruise easier.
3300-3500 cruising speed with headers and flowmasters is only cool for short trips!
(Gas station to gas station)
Just my .02
Joe

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69 396 w/SS Trim, B&M TH400, 3.55 12 Bolt Posi, Blue w/White Z28 Stripes, Chrome Rally Wheels
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