4.30's or 4.10

[Mach916]

Originally Posted by JayDogg

I just brought my 04 mach for a quick drive since i live on a road that doesnt have much sand and everything is frozen. I have the stock 3.55 gears and the car is completely stock. I actually just took it out for the first time since I bought it, couldnt wait any longer. The car seemed a lot faster and much more low end than my previous 2 mustangs. a 95 gt and 98 cobra. I was thinking that in the spring I was going to go with a set of 4.10s but after taking it for a ride and doing a couple starts from a stand still I couldnt imagine making the gears any taller. Im afraid Im going to be tearing through rear tires already. Granted I have the stock 245's on the car, I felt like 1st gear with any throttle wanted to break the tires loose and even when shifting into 2nd. Maybe I didnt drive the car long enough to really get a feel for it. But for what I did drive it, it just doesnt seem like it needs any taller gears than the 3.55's. Maybe you guys that have been in my situation before can help explain.

this is the point i try to make but people on here dont want to listen..if you can barely grip with the gears you have now..how can more gear help?keep your stock gears and save your money on other mods..

[XSELLR8]

...so assuming both cars had the same mods other than gears, which would be better doing 0-130 MPH- 3.55s or 4.30s?

[Mach916]

Originally Posted by XSELLR8

...so assuming both cars had the same mods other than gears, which would be better doing 0-130 MPH- 3.55s or 4.30s?

355s without a doubt.. 430s max out at 120 thats 6800 in 4th

[XSELLR8]

Although I was very tempted to switch to 4.30s when I re-did my rear end, this thread made it pretty clear that the best advantage for 4.10s or 4.30s would be for a track or at low speeds. It was a little more important to me to have a car that was "faster" (top end) not "quicker" (bottom end). I justify horsepower for passing trucks on the freeway, and the unlikely but possible need to outrun someone chasing you, so that's why I prefer 3.55s.

When people ask which gear is "faster" (4.30s or 3.55s), I have a hard time because it really depends on what standard you judge it by- 1/8 mile, 1/4 mile, 75mph+... each set up has pros and cons or there would only be one option. MY personal preference (though I will make it VERY clear I do NOT promote street racing) is to see what a car does all out- not 0-60, 1/8, 1/4, but 0-130 or a mile. If not, you end up with cars like the new skyline GT-R or Subarus, where the technicians gave it gearing and AWD to satisfy the 0-60 & 1/4 mile times (the only thing people read about) but the car gets passed by it's competitors if they race a full mile. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZlGMX8G3B4 Is one car truely faster than another if the other car is coming up fast on you, but you reach the 1/4 mile 1st? A race is a race, so yes, but at the same time no. FOR ME, I would rather have the car do best in the long run. That's why I kept 3.55s. Don't get upset or confused- those other gears work miracles for our cars, it just depends on what you are looking for.

[04dsgMACHONE]

Originally Posted by Mach916

355s without a doubt.. 430s max out at 120 thats 6800 in 4th

I'd just have to see that to believe it. For sure to 120 the 4.30s would be quicker, and even going to 130 from 120-130 in fifth I can't see the 3.55s being able to catch the 4.30 geared car.