Currently running an S10 trans, 4.03 low gear, in my banger powered coupe. First gear is pretty much useless. Can other gear sets be installed in the S10 case, would like the 2.95 Camaro gear set. Thanks Ken
The short answer is 'yes' and have a buddy that changed one up for his banger powered ride. The revision took a main cluster shaft change. As I recall, because of that, it changed the 5th gear overdrive ratio. By the time he got it done, he wished he had just hunted for a complete transmission that already had the gear sets he wanted.....but that transmission might come with its own set of problems.... I don't recall all the details...I've texted him for additional information but he checks his texts every week or so. and doesn't answer his phone... I don't know what you have for a rear differential ratio, 4.11 or 3.78...that makes a difference too I run a taller tire and a 3:54 rear gear in my T-5 Jeep transmission in my banger powered Vicky. It has a 4.03 first gear and it helps the driveability and allows me to creep up my driveway that has a 18% climb in it at one point....but it sure can make 5th OD too tall with an uphill and headwind banger power, the most money you can spend to go slow....but you never break anything by overpowering it good luck on your pondering
Not exactly. Changing gear sets means changing the input shaft, too, because it interfaces the counter shaft. Only S10's have an input shaft that length (the longest of all). Your one common choice is the 3.76 S10 gear set. There are 2 (I think) other ratio sets, but are not at all common.
Maybe more info on the banger. Lightened flywheel? Rear gear? 4X4 or long tail shaft t5? Mods to the engine? All of the above impact on gearing. I am running a fairly healthy motor in my banger with a Burtz 30lb flywheel and a 4:03 Jeep t5, closed drive shaft and 3:78 rear gear. I love the combination. Great acceleration, easy on inclines and still keeps up at highway speed. I personally don't think you would like the 2:95 behind a banger motor. I have a 2:95 in both my '62 Cutlass and '62 Studebaker wagon, both with quite warm engines and there are times they would like a little more gear. Warren
All the rebuilt T5's we sell have the 3.76 first gear and .72 OD. Have done a couple 100 over the years with minimal problems or complaints.
The engine is very healthy, 8:1 compression, big cam, two strombergs, etc. lightweight flywheel. Open driveshaft. I’ve been considering changing rear axle to a 3:54, currently 3.78 Then , the option of a quickchange is there as well, depending on budget. Thanks for the feedback…. Keanu
The thing to focus on is the combined starting ratio, which is the first gear ratio x the rear end ratio. Your current starting ratio is 4.03 x 3.78, or 15.23. If you went to the other common S10 set, it would be 3.76 x 3.78, or 14.21*. If the Camaro set were possible, it would be 2.95 x 3.78, or 11.15. That would likely be terrible. With a 3.54 rear and your current transmission, it would be 4.03 x 3.54, or 14.27*. A 3.76 gear set and a 3.54 rear, it would be 3.76 x 3.54, or 13.31. *These two would likely be indistinguishable. Two pathways to get to just about the same result. Another alternative is a taller rear tire. What are your running now?
Actually, in 1961, a '55 Chev 3 speed was traditional behind a 265. Never was a flathead guy. 4 speeds didn't become affordable to back yard builder for quite some time. A T10 would have cost me more then it cost to build the hot rod. Warren
Rear tire size is 7.60-16 The oem trans has a 3.12 first, acceptable, first gear 11.79 overall Looks like the quickchange is in the future.
You might want to check out this thread.......... https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/tech-ultimate-t-5-article.171291/ I don't think the solution to your problem will be accomplished by just changing the rear end ratio, although you may be able to find a decent middleground that works acceptably. I'd start with the idea of what rpm does your engine need to turn when cruising at X mph (your choice) when on an xway and in 5th gear. This is not as problematic when someone has more HP , so you have to decide what rpm will support what speed when in 5th gear, and see what rear ratio may give that to you. Then you can compare that to your current ratio. Not being a smarta** here, but acceleration will not be your goal as much as making something that keeps up with traffic , as that will be where most of your driving is done.
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