i have 3.73's in a box that i haven't put in yet due to the car just now moving, it's got the stock 3.08's in the rear ( 8.8" from a 89 SSP ) and i feel it's too 'low'? especially with the 17's on it to get it really going with the cam and such that i have - so the question is, the 3.73's will they really wake it up and allow it to perform as it should or should i look to something else? the car is going to be doing mostly town driving with a few bursts of 20-25 miles to the beach or to the track every once in a while so gas mileage won't be too bad. - so 3.73s? or 3.55? or what?

the only thing comp cams mentioned was me using a 2200+ stall for this cam, and mines 2500-2700, but like i said i still think the 3.08 is too 'low' for it to get it properly moving. anyone have any input? thanks!

 

imo being its an automatic id go for the 3:73s, if it was a 5 spd then 3:55s. the 3:73 will definately wake the car up. itll be a totally different animal!

 

don't get that:
automatic id go for the 3:73s, if it was a 5 spd then 3:55s
if you have 1:1 in gearbox go for 3.7. if you have overdrive, go for 3:55. that's the wrong way round i believe

what's your max rpm, tyre diameter and gearbox ?

 

automatics always eat more power than a manual trans thats why they work better with more gear, not to mention much heavier, try lifting a t-5 trans and then an aod youll see what i mean! ive seen guys using 4:30 gears in their autos that work really well.

 

Its a common misconception that larger wheels have an effect on you gearing. The rolling diameter of the tire shoul be the same as stock. The larger the diamter of the wheel, the lower profile tire you are supposed to use to maintain the correct rolling diameter

 

the larger wheels affect your rpm's though so it needs to be considered when chosing your gear size.

 

No.
As per my previous post the wheel size has absolutley NOTHING to do with RPM.
If you have selected the correct aspect tire, the ROLLING DIAMETER remains exactly the same as stock.
Again, a common misconception. There have been numerous post on this, I suggest you do a search and read them.

 

if ppl put bigger wheels and tires to fill the wheel well more it will change the speedo and stuff.

 

My simple answer to the original post, the 3.73s will reallywake the car up, IMO for a mostly town driven car it is a no brainer,,,, go with the gears....

 

Switching my car from 2.79's to 3.25's madea huge difference in seat-of-your-pants grunt. More even than the entire 331 build (compared to a tired 289). Go with the 3.73's, you'll be happy.