[Daren Gee]

Rick, thanks for clarifying my misunderstanding regarding racing Richmond racing transmissions. There may be a 5-speed racing model in my future!

About 99 percent of my driving has been under-part throttle conditions, and the information about potential for main shaft separation actually explains something to me. Since I live in the San Jose metropolitan area, there aren't any open roads where I can safely test the car under full throttle near home. So, at part throttle, the transmission is a dream and can be shifted extremely fast, especially after initial break-in ..but at full throttle...hmmm. I have experienced two mis-shifts from 1st to second, under full throttle, while trying to speed shift. Those may be the only two times I have tried putting the pedal to the floor AND shifting as fast as possible (maybe without full clutch disengagement). I had previously chalked those events to user error. But now it seems like I may have tried to shift my transmission TOO fast due to the transmission shafts. It'll be interesting to see how fast I will be able to shift without mis-shifting. If I find shifting is too truck-like for my taste, a racing version may be in my purchase plans.

Regarding gear ratios, I'm running a 3.08 rear end and a 3.27 first gear. I have been thinking about going to a 3.40 rear end ratio, since my 6th gear is barely useable unless I'm going 85 MPH. I've calculated that at redline, my car is geared to go 212 MPH. I doubt 400 HP and 400 ft-lbs could push that much air, and predict a true top speed quite a bit lower. But, the 3.40 would make 1st too low, as I think 1st is too low as it is. I would have to relegate 1st for burn-outs only, and use 2nd thru 6th for everything else. I'm not a big tire spinner, so the new transmission might be coming sooner than later.

To prepare for then, are there any recommendations for an appropriate 1st gear ratio?

Daren Gee