"Gut Check" on 4.10's
 

I'm about to get estimates for 4.10s with install (Manual xmsn). I just want to make sure I understand what I'm getting. I'm not concerned about any gas mileage drops.

The 4.10s will give better performance up to about 70mph, then start to drop (compared to 3.55s). Correct?

How bad is 1st gear? Do I use it from a dead stop at a light when I'm next to a ricer? How about DD?

Is 5th gear better now?

Anyone (w/ manual xmsn) go back to 3.55s from the 4.10s? If so, why?

I believe my dealership has its act together, but anyone know of a decent shop in Central Illinois - Peoria area.

Also, Ballpark cost for gears with bearings, shims, and install?

Thanks!

I don't think performance drops after 70 MPH compared to 3.55s. At hwy speeds, downshifting from 3rd to 5th or 4th to 5th (depending on my speed), the car pulls harder with 4.10 than 3.55. HWY MPG won't drop that much as long as you keep your speed under control. At 75-80, I still get around 24 MPG. From a dead stop, you can start of in 2nd, but if you want to accelerate more aggressively, start in 1st. 5th gear is fine; you can keep it in 5th and still pass someone on the hwy. I am not too sure on install price in IL. I paid $285 for my install, now the same shop is charging $320 because oh how much a PIA it's to install gears on a S197. I was their first S197 install.

Performance does not drop up top. I've taken my car to 185 and it pulled like a beast all the way.

185??

I'm with you on this one. Not sure as well. I have the 4.10 gears sitting here, but am concerned about 1st gear being all but useless and constantly shifting.

Of course with 3.31 gears now, I need to change for sure, but still debating between 3.73 and 4.10, so I am interested to see the replies.

Although there are tons of 4.10 versus 3.73 gear posts, so I'll go back and read those too.

From reading up on MF, if you have an automatic, you don't want to go above 3.73s.

On a manual, going from 3.55s to 3.73s is not worth it - I assume going from 3.31s to 3.73s would be. Someone chime in if I'm wrong....

According to an Excel spredsheet gear calculator I got on MF, the redline speed for 4.10s on a manual w/ 235/50R18 tires is 184mph.

(I can't get the file to attach and I don't remember if he had set up a link....)

I had tracked my speed with my buddy in the car looking at a GPS while we were pulling. Could be a few miles off, but I'm never doing that again.

185mph is not possible stock. These cars are drag limited to 145mph (ish). Now with the blower I can bury the needle but it still isnt 185. These cars have horrible drag.

OP, go with 4.10's you will be happy. Personally my favorite setup is 4.10's with a 28" tall tire. That works out to a final of about 3.90's.

Get the 4.10's and it it is a little too much gear get the taller tire.

Good Luck.

I had 3.31s, and dude... wait until you get those 4.10s in. You wont believe how slow your car used to be. :)

1st gear is pretty useless in daily driving, but just start in 2nd as mentioned above.