No low end

oldmexico · #1 (**permalink**) 05-12-2002, 06:16 PM

I've got a Tremec 5 speed. No low end. I do alot of city driving, so I don't want to peel out in every gear. However, I would like a little more ump... Can anyone tell me how to change the gearing or how to find out what gear I need?
Charles

Bob Parmenter · #2 (**permalink**) 05-12-2002, 06:24 PM

Oldmexico,

If it is a gear ratio issue, the simplest solution would be to change the rear end gearing to a lower ratio (higher numerical), especially since you have the 5 speed. You may have a rear gear from an automatic transmission vehicle, eg 2.73 to 1. More appropriate would be something in the mid 3's, eg 3.54 to 1. If you want to get real crazy (acceleration wise), get into the 4's, but the rev's might bother you at highway speed, depending on what ratios are in the trans.

Find a reputable shop that installs gears in your area and have them determine what you have (if there's a tag on the rear housing it may or may not be correct), and give you an idea of what it would cost to change.

oldmexico · #3 (**permalink**) 05-13-2002, 03:24 PM

Hi Bob,
Thank you for getting back to me. I had posted another request before finding your reply. I take it that this gear is not something that I can purchase and intall easily.

My problem is my location doesn't make it very to find a shop.

Ron61 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-13-2002, 03:50 PM

I don't know what rear end you have but if you have the 8.8 or 9 inch Ford and there is no shop close by that can set up a new ring and pinion gear you may consider ordering the whole pumpkin already assembled and then just pulling your old one out and installing the new one. This is a little on the expensive side but unless you have experience is setting up a new gear setup it could save you a lot of frustration and time. I run 3:27s in my Cobra and they are great except in 5th which kicks them up to 2:10s and with my motor making its horsepower and torque at a higher RPM I can't break through the wall of air in 5th gear. But in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th I can pull 6,000 real fast. And as stated in the post above, consider what type of driving you are going to be doing most. With my 3:27s I tach 1900 RPM at 70 which is just lofing my motor in 5th. But it is great for long freeway crusies and I drivbe in 4th most of the time when I am on backroads. Either way, going to a lower gear will really make a difference in a light car like your Cobra.

Ron61

Bob Parmenter · #5 (**permalink**) 05-13-2002, 04:00 PM

om,

If your car has a ford 9" or 8" it has a removeable carrier assembly that contains the rear gears. You can order a suitable replacement unit, pull the axle shafts and exchange the carriers. If you have a Jag, an 8.8 ford or something else that has a separate bolted on,stamped sheet metal cover on the back of the axle housing, then it takes special tools and some expertise to swap gears and set up properly. If what I'm referring to here is greek to you then it may be beyond your current level of experience and be worth a trip to someplace that can deal with the situation for you.

Good luck

oldmexico · #6 (**permalink**) 05-13-2002, 04:20 PM

When Roger Upton was building my car I remember him saying somthing about a 9 ford rear end, that helps. I wish I could reach him to varify this. However, I will take the car around to some of the local mechanics. I have the car up now. I don't see any special plates or anything. So I don;t think it's a Jag. Another questions while I have your attention. If I were to email you a digital photo of my front shocks could you recomend a solution to a clearance problem I'm having? I presently have street pro coilovers. Whenever I hit the slightest bump they bottom out. Once the shaft broke, The tire went into my fender and burned the fiberglass. I have welded the shaft for now. I don't feel safe driving it. The coils are totally compressed for more clearence and it is a rough ride, still bottoms out. What do you think?

oldmexico · #7 (**permalink**) 05-13-2002, 04:28 PM

When Roger Upton was building my car I remember him saying somthing about a 9 ford rear end, that helps. I wish I could reach him to varify this. However, I will take the car around to some of the local mechanics. I have the car up now. I don't see any special plates or anything. So I don;t think it's a Jag. Another questions while I have your attention. If I were to email you a digital photo of my front shocks could you recomend a solution to a clearance problem I'm having? I presently have street pro coilovers. Whenever I hit the slightest bump they bottom out. Once the shaft broke, The tire went into my fender and burned the fiberglass. I have welded the shaft for now. I don't feel safe driving it. The coils are totally compressed for more clearence and it is a rough ride, still bottoms out. What do you think?

kanuck · #8 (**permalink**) 05-13-2002, 06:00 PM

I think your problem might be elsewhere the tremec trans has a 3.27 first gear there is no rear end gear that high that could possibly bog you down especially in a 2200 lbs car
thanks kanuck