Picking out bdr tomarrow in FLA.

airvolts · #1 (**permalink**) 05-10-2005, 02:36 PM

Hello all,

Going to FLA on wednesday to look at couple of cars one is black with silver stripes and gray interior, the other is titanium with black stripes. Engine set up is original side oiler with 4 speed top loader trans.I don't know alot about engines but this combo seems to hold the value of the car better.Not that
i'm planning on selling,any questions or suggestions of what to look for or options to get would be a great help.

Thanks,

Bryan

TampaFla · #2 (**permalink**) 05-10-2005, 03:07 PM

Depends on your plans. Toploaders have 2 ratios. Rear ends also vary in ratios. Drive them on the highway as well as around the "slower" (school zone) locations to get an idea of how you react to the rpms at 70 mph vs. 35 mph (both in 3rd gear of course).

airvolts · #3 (**permalink**) 05-10-2005, 03:13 PM

does anyone know the gear ratio that comes in most of the BDR or does it differ with each one?The engine and tranny was in another car for a short time,just break in time,will ask and get to drive tomarrow.
what gear would you recommend for me if all I want to do is just cruise around town and blow away a few vettes hear and there,Don't plan on going to the track just play around and have fun

Doug I · #4 (**permalink**) 05-10-2005, 05:33 PM

Most people go with a rear ration broadly between 2.7 and 3.6

The 2.7 end of the range is better suited for cruising, the 3.6 end for spirited driving where throttle control has to be used to stop the smoke.

The most common ratios used sit between 3 and 3.6

To get the ideal ratio you need to know the power curves from the engine, the box ratios and the type of driving you'll be mostly doing.

Most BDR's seem to come with a ~3.1 rear, although I have heard of different ratios, just can't remember the numbers (??3.05??)

As to options - pass. rollbar is 1 I always suggest. Drivers seat slider is another. Dual fans if you are in a hotter part of the country.

regards
Doug I

PS "Don't plan on going to the track" - it WILL happen. There will be a track day near you and you will go and you'll love it. It's not so much the racing but the people you meet.

got snake? · #5 (**permalink**) 05-10-2005, 06:12 PM

BDR's can take an FE? I did not know that! I thought they only took small blocks! You sure you can get one with a BB? I may have been missed informed but hey if you can stuff one in GO FOR IT!!!

Sid

tfarhood · #6 (**permalink**) 05-10-2005, 06:43 PM

Last I knew, SMALL BLOCKS only. If they made the BB announcement, I missed it. If you already own the Drive train, you may want to look at a Unique. I have a Backdraft, I love it. It has the 3.45 rear gear, I love that also. If Backdraft doesn't handle FE's, Unique does. I was originally going to build a Unique until Backdraft showed up with a roller at an affordable pricetag. If you have your heart set on a Backdraft, I'm sure Reg will show you one with a 408 stroker that will blow you away. You could probably sell you drivetrain pretty easy if it is a 427 side-oiler. Don't cancel your trip, you may be quite impressed with the Backdraft/small block combo.
Good luck.

LwCwb · #7 (**permalink**) 05-10-2005, 06:46 PM

The Backdraft WILL take an FE.... Mike Mack from TriState motorsports told me last year at Carlisle, he said the headers have to be custom fabricated though.

tfarhood · #8 (**permalink**) 05-10-2005, 06:50 PM

Well how about the FE with a Top Loader??? I'm not sure the tranny tunnel will allow that. If you go with the FE, and it fits, you still may need to switch to a Tremec tranny. I'm not sure, but I have my doubts.

LwCwb · #9 (**permalink**) 05-10-2005, 07:13 PM

I believe the tremec is wider so I don't see a reason why the Toploader won't fit. I could be wrong, maybe someone could clear this up for us.

Cashburn · #10 (**permalink**) 05-10-2005, 08:20 PM

If you think an FE and a Big Block are the same thing you should do a little research

Just kidding ya Sid.

Actually an FE, as in a 390, 427, 428 will go in no trouble. This has always been the case. In fact if there are any doubters then swing by at Carlisle ...

And to further convince you they might just bring one of those modulatators along to further impress.

airvolts · #11 (**permalink**) 05-10-2005, 09:23 PM

Thanks to all replys I really don't know alot about engins but this web site is awesome for info,read several on how to verify a true side oiler and as best I can tell unless you tear it apart you still can't be sure but I still have an idea of what to look for.Also thanks for the gear info, also the guy who built the engine tranny combo had it in a back draft but different color and options than I wanted.Going to but a down payment tomarrow and car will be ready in 2 weeks can't wait.Thanks again for help will report back with color choice and options.

tony martin · #12 (**permalink**) 05-11-2005, 02:16 AM

HEY BRYAN,

I AM GREEN WITH ENVY!!!

I DONT KNOW WHERE REG HAS BEEN HIDING THAT SIDE OILER.

IF I HAD SEEN IT I WOULD HAVE CARRIED BACK TO SA ON MY BACK!!!

IT HAS TO BE THE ULTIMATE DRIVE TRAIN COMBO FOR YOUR NEEDS AND YES IT WILL HOLD VALUE BETTER THAN ANY OTHER THAT I KNOW OF.

MOST OF THE BDRS COME WITH 3.15 REAR END

THIS GIVES U ACCORDING TO AUTO MATHS:

1:1 TOP GEAR

315/35/17 TIRES 2500RPM 61MPH
295/50/15 TIRES 2500RPM 63MPH

FROM THIS TO ALL U GUYS OUT THERE:

A BIG BLOCK FITS INTO A BDR.

MOUNTINGS AND HEADERS AVAILABLE EX FACTORY SA.

BRYAN,

U HAVE A HUGE PROBLEM------WHICH COLOUR TO CHOOSE.

GOOD LUCK,

MAY U HAVE MANY SAFE HAPPY MILES IN YOUR NEW REPTILE.

REGARDS,

tfarhood · #13 (**permalink**) 05-11-2005, 05:03 AM

OK, I stand corrected!
Tony, thanks for checking in.

airvolts · #14 (**permalink**) 05-11-2005, 08:11 PM

Well back from a long day in FLA was tuff choice between the black and titanium but went with titanium black stripes,black interior, and black side pipes. Mr. Lucky just a note a did not buy from Reg but from a dealer in FLA,Got lucky since he had the motor and tranny in another car for short time already built.Thanks for the gear ratio it helps alot.Motor is suppose to have about 585 HP with all the parts on it,and has orginal shifter for the top loader which looks cool.I can't wait to pick it up in 3 weeks.

Thanks again,

Bryan

MDP727 · #15 (**permalink**) 05-18-2005, 07:38 PM

Hey bud I have car 211. Tit/Black. It has the 408, tko 600, and stock rear gears. It will beat anything on the street. Stangs and vettes are a joke. You are moving into the jap bike or crotch rocket level, I raced one a couple weeks ago and ate it up.
Have fun!