[mikeforte]

Hi,
Gear ratios are all math. When you factor a nominal 26" tire diameter. The magic number for driveability is 8.2:1 1st gear overall. That said you have the CR 2.32:1 and the WR 2.78:1.
With a 2.32:1 and a 3.54 rearend ratio you have a 8.2:1 overall ratio.
1st gear 3000 RPM = 29.3 MPH/ 6000 RPM = 58.6 mph
4th gear 3000 RPM = 65.5 MPH/ 6000 RPM = 131 MPH
With a 2.78 and a 2.94 rearend ratio you still have a 8.2:1 ratio
1st gear 3000 RPM = 28.4 MPH/ 6000 RPM = 56.8
4th gear 3000 RPM = 78.92 / 6000 RPM = 157.8

Again the 8.2:1 minimum ratio for street drivability is not good for drag racing and road racing can get use with as low as 7:1 1st gear ratio.
Call me with any questions.

BTW, My old Z-28 had a nice dry sump smallblock and a 2.20:1 Muncie and 3.50 rearend gears so a 7.7:1 1st gear overall. It was a bit to get it rolling, but once rolling the gears were awsome. For every 1000 RPM it was 10 MPH. That was 75 MPH in 1st!!! It still had 2nd, 3rd & 4th.... That 154.7 MPH at 7000 RPM not figuring any tire growth... I like that!!