I have a saginaw 4 speed in my 331 caddy powered 32. It has 3 grooves so that makes it 3.50 1st, 2.47 2nd, 165 3rd, and of course 1 to 1 4th. I have a 2 groove that is 3.11 1st, 2.20 2nd, 1.47 3rd. Right now 1st is useles, do yall think changing to the 2 groove is worth it ?
Yes. Numerically that may not seem like a big difference between the 3.50 and 3.11 ratios, but it actually is in terms of driveability. I went through a few Saginaws in my Shoebox, and I liked the 2 groove the best out of all of them....I think it had a much more 'useable' first gear than the 3 groove. Just my opinion, your results may vary.
I'd go w/ the 2 grooves. Worst comes worst you can fix the other and put it back in if you don't like it. I have heard issues tho w the saginaws atleast in the chevy's having issues w/ power, so watchout.
Yes, change it out! You will ne much happier with the hjigher 1st gear, makes the others closer too! jerry
Remember, you need to multiply the transmission ratio by the rearend ratio to determine final. Although the change is 39 points, you multiply by rearend ratio to get the actual change. It makes a bigger difference if you have a 4.11 rear than if you have a 2.73.
That's right, I run the 3.50 low in my 54, but I got a 2.93 rear in it. So it's perfect for me. I only use 1-2-3 at the drags and go thru the lights at 5000 in 3rd, But on the hiway it will cruise nice at 80 to 90 which I couldn't do with a 4.88 rear (1.65 X 2.93 = 4.83) And the 3.5 X 2.93 = 10.25 which is where you need to be to start off with. So what rear you got and how tall are the rear tires? Frank
weight of the car has as much to do with gearing needs as anything else. If the car weighs 2500# or less you will probably be happier with the 3.11 first gear, if the car weighs 3200# or more you will probably be happier with the 3.50 first gear. There are also othe factors that come into play such as the amount of torque the engine makes and the rpm in which it makes it. Also consider the reciprocating weight of the engine/flywheel/clutch combination as that will have alot to do with the engines ability to resist RPM drop as the load is introduced. General rule of thumb, light car/high torgue/low revving/heavy reciprocating weight wants a tall (3.11) first gear. A heavy car/low torque/high revving/light reciprocating weight wants a low (3.50) first gear.
Thanks for all the input. Both trans. are good. I just like to use all 4 gears. With the 3 groove you can take off in 2nd. Looks like me and my little helper will be changing trans this weekend.
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