Toploader

[Mr Barnwood]

I have a Unique 427 Sideoiler with a close ratio toploader and Jag 3.55 gears.
I do not like the close ratio can I change it to wide ratio or would I be better off buying a new Toploader. My major complaint is first gear is too tall.
Your thoughts?
Thank you
Joe
209-614-0456

[1795]

Joe,

Unless you are racing or only driving on the freeway, a close ratio is not a good gearing for a street car. As you know, first gear is way too tall. A lot of it depends on your mechanical abilities and available time to change out the gears. it will be cheaper that way, but will take more time.

Jim

[Unique427]

Toploader gear is as follows:

Close Ratio:
2.32, 1.69, 1.29, 1.00

Wide Ratio:
2.78, 1.93, 1.36, 1.00

You can contact David Kee Toploaders for advise.
He can change out your close ratio to wide if that's what is desired.

[xb-60]

Hi Joe,

I'm surprised that the gearing (in first gear) is a problem when you have the torque of a 427 FE driving through a CR Toploader to a 3.55 rear end.
I checked on the Second Strike Gearing Calculator, and the overall gearing (first gear) on my WR Toploader and 2.92 diff. is identical to your (first gear) gearing.

My car is yet to turn a wheel so I don't necessarily know what I'm talking about, but with such a light weight car, I can't see it will be a problem for me (engine is a 302W).

I had my Toploader rebuilt by David Kee's agent here in Adelaide, South Australia, and it cost me around 3/4 of the price of a new Toploader, if that information helps your decision regarding buying a new Toploader or rebuilding yours.

Cheers,
Glen

[DanEC]

I’m not sure about the aftermarket availability of replacement gear sets for the Toploader. A couple years ago when I rebuilt mine I checked into some new gears with Larry at D&L Transmissions and he said the only replacements he could get were from China and he was hesitant to use them and preferred serviceable original gears. It’s not like a Muncie where there are a number of high quality, Italian-made gear sets in all different ratio sets available. My point being you may find it difficult to find a good, complete set of wide ratio gears without buying a whole transmission. I’m not sure what David Kee and other Toploader specialists are using for gears - maybe they have a source.

[1795]

Originally Posted by xb-60

Hi Joe,

I'm surprised that the gearing (in first gear) is a problem when you have the torque of a 427 FE driving through a CR Toploader to a 3.55 rear end.
I checked on the Second Strike Gearing Calculator, and the overall gearing (first gear) on my WR Toploader and 2.92 diff. is identical to your (first gear) gearing.

My car is yet to turn a wheel so I don't necessarily know what I'm talking about, but with such a light weight car, I can't see it will be a problem for me (engine is a 302W).

I had my Toploader rebuilt by David Kee's agent here in Adelaide, South Australia, and it cost me around 3/4 of the price of a new Toploader, if that information helps your decision regarding buying a new Toploader or rebuilding yours.

Cheers,
Glen

Glen,

The problem is not related to power, it's that with that gear combo (which is basically the same to what I have in the race car) in city driving you will spend most of your time in first gear. The close ratio was a very tall first gear, which you rarely use on a race track, so that the ratio's between 2-4 can be closer and avoid large rpm drops between gears.

Jim

[blykins]

A wide ratio conversion will make a huge difference. I would take time to put one of the new 1-1/8x26 input shafts in as well, so the clutch choice options will open up.

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by 1795

Glen,

The problem is not related to power, it's that with that gear combo (which is basically the same to what I have in the race car) in city driving you will spend most of your time in first gear. The close ratio was a very tall first gear, which you rarely use on a race track, so that the ratio's between 2-4 can be closer and avoid large rpm drops between gears.

Jim

Jim, totally understand what you're saying.
With my diff. gearing (2.92:1), my setup will in effect be similar to a five speed gearbox with no first gear.
A Cobra "in city driving"? I'm lucky enough to live within minutes (and with no traffic lights) of the great driving roads of the Adelaide Hills, so no need to go cross town for country cruising.

Cheers,
Glen

[Mr Barnwood]

My local transmission shop will convert my close ratio top loader to a wide ratio with gear swaps for about $900 bucks or trade me a rebuilt wide ratio for $1450. I’m thinking I should go with a rebuilt one which is new bearings and new synchros which would not be included in mine. I wish I knew what the transmission core charge was I would like to keep mine.
Your thoughts

[incoming]

I'd try to find one that's trashed for a core and keep the good useless close ratio for the next buyer.

[ERA174]

You can go to the below web sites for the two Toploader suppliers I have used in the past. You have many different paths you can follow to accomplish your goal, decide what works best for you. I’m not a toploader expert by any means, if you would like to hear about my experience in accomplishing what you’re looking to do, send me a pm with telephone contact info and I’ll be happy to talk.
Dan Williams
https://www.toploadertransmissions.c...structions.php
David Kee
Toploader Price List

[Anthony]

Close ratio 4 speed with 3.50’s rear is the way most big block muscle cars came standard with in the mid/late’60’s, unless you specified steeper gears. For me, I have a 427 cr toploader with 3.54’s, and it’s fine for me. If you are going to rebuild the tranny yourself, then it may make sense to buy the gears and rebuild kit for the swap, otherwise, I’d buy a new wide ratio transmission from David Kee , and sell your old one.