What Gears are You Running?
 

I can't live with the stock 2.73s so I'm going to upgrade to 3.55s. Anyone running this ratio?

Gary

You will get many different opinions on this one. I have 3.55s in my '88 red SCHP 5-spd and really like them. They put the car in a range of performance and driveability ( haul but not over rev at sustained highway speeds) . If the car is an auto, you might want to consider 3.73s.

A lot depends on what you want it to do with it. IE: daily driver or howl the hides every time you leave the house (4.56s). Good luck with your decision.

3:73's for me.

3:73 in my notch too!

I've ran both gears in my street Mustangs over the years and 3.73's are in my opinion, the way to go. You'll see around 2450 rpms @ 75mph on the highway with a 5 speed and 275-45-15 tires. If you have your heart set on going with 3.55's I have two new sets of Ford Motorsport gears for an 8.8that I will ship to you for $140. Please PM me if I can help you out...

3.73 speedometer gear
 

I have a 3.73 in the WI SSP and the speedometer was way off when I drove it. I checked the gear at the end of the speedometer cable and it was a 21 tooth but some of the teeth were worn off which could count for the needle wondering. What did you guys do to get the speedometer close to accurate? I read that the trans drive gear in the 93s had 8 teeth and on the chart, it indicated I would need the max of 23 tooth gear on speedometer and it would still be a bit off. They also mentioned the nylon gears last a little while and then it may break some teeth like the one I have. The other choice was to change the trans drive gear to a 6 or 7 but it is a big job. Any help would be appreciated or will I have to just live with it. Thanks

3:27
 

I have a 93' Cobra disc brake rear in mine it has limited slip and factory 3;27 gears, in the rain you can drift on demand and in the dry it will break'em loose at will

Gary, I HATE 2.73's.....in anything so I don't blame you. I have 3.27's (original gear ratio) in the 93 FHP with the auto trans and it runs alot better than the 2.73's. I also plan on putting 3.55's in the gray coupe to make it more fun to drive.

Gears
 

I'm running 430 Gears on my 1988 Mustang SSP!

I have this exact rear in my 85 (the original 7.5" rear is long gone). I like the 3.27's OK, but I am considering a gear change over the winter to 3.90's or 4.10's (keep in mind I have tall 255 BFG's out back). With the 3.90's and tall tires, my final effective gear ratio would be close to 3.73's, should I ever fix my speedo.

From experience............in the last 22 years I have run the stock 3.08 gears with ok power/accleration but,the engine will have a slight bog or lag when you shift into third at full throttle. I then installed 3.73 gears and all you do is shift,shift,shift. I personally did not like that ratio if you are going to use your car for a daily driver. I installed 3.27 gears and they are awsome! This topic is like do you like Chevys or Fords? lol lol ................Rich

3.55's for me. well balanced. great for the street and highway with out having the R's being to high

I went through this same decision of 3.55's or 3.73's. I finally went with 3.73 with my 5-speed. There is only approximately 200 rpm difference on the freeway @ 70 mph. As for shifting a lot, you can just about skip 1st gear when leaving the line from a stop. I origanally had 3.08's and find that the 3.73's are easier to drive. I could just not drive this car smoothly from a stop with the 3.08's.

I should add that I have never driven a Mustang w/3.55's. If I ever get a chance, I may like them better. Who knows? It's a tough decision.

I agree 3.55's , i drive my 91 ssp every day here in the deep south texas with 3.55's .... it's a great all around gear .
good luck ..

ssp91ssp
hector

3.55's in my 90 Auto.Love them and was EASY to keep the speedo calibrated. Good out of the whole and not to high on the RPM's on the highway. I still averaged 18-20 MPG on the highway going to Birmingham this year.