Roadster rear end advice needed

I'm in the pile-up phase of the '27 roadster project. Planning a late-'50s style channelled car w/o fenders, 331 hemi, 4 speed. Going today to look at a Ford 8" rear w/3.25 gears. The man is going to want top dollar for the rear end, as it is freshly overhauled w/new ring and pinion. My question: is this gear ratio going to be ok? The trans is a MOPAR A833 from a Roadrunner or something, so I suspect it won't have a too-tall 1st gear, but not sure of that either. Should I wait for some 3:50 or so gears, or go with the freeway flyers?


Thanks for any help.

Jerry

 

I have 3.80 gears in my '27 roadster. I started with 3.55 but they were too high. I could probably go to 4.11s without too much extra wear on the drivetrain but I'll stay with the 3.80s. If I were you, I'd keep my eyes open at swaps and wrecking yards for an 8". You should be able to pick one up for around a hundred bucks then keep looking for the right pumpkin gears. Look for a V-8 Maverick or Falcon or early Mustang. They're all the same width. Those 3.25s would probably work just fine in a car with an automatic.

 

what gear ratio to use depends on how you plan on using the car , i don't think 3.25 would be a problem in a light car.also, the diameter of your rear tire has to be factored in

how much is he asking for the rear end? around here an 8" ford maverick will cost around $200-$250 , granadas about $150-$200. then you have to rebuild the brakes, new shoes , turn drums (if they are turnable...if not you buy new drums ) seals , bearings wheels cylinders , sand blasting , etc....it is easy to put another $200-$300-$400 in a used rear end to get it ready


which rear is it , maverick around 56" axle flange to axle flange....ganadas around 58"?

 

What engine/trans are you running? My thinking was that the hemi is going to be pretty torquey, and able to pull a taller gear.

 

It's part of a package deal--rear end value is probably calculated in at 350-400. New ring and pinion, don't know yet about brakes. It was destined for a 32 coupe, so I think the housing prep has been done. Supposed to be the narrow track version. I may know more later today. I just don't want to end up with something that's a pain to drive. Thanks for the info.

Jerry

 

My roadster is running a four banger 2000cc ford motor with a four speed. I also have a '32 five window with a later flathead, mildly warmed over with plenty of torch. I tried higher gears when I first got it on the road. It was no fun at all. It has 3.55s in it now and is quite comfortable at freeway speed with 7.50 tires. The roadster has 8.90X16 dirt trackers. Granted, you could run 3.25s but it won't be much fun off the line. You want to be able to smoke the hides don't you?

 

I'd say your drivetrain is a totally different deal than a Hemi and an Auto... You need to take this into consideration. I'd think that the low 3's would be a good compromise for the v8 and auto, especially a torquey v8 like the hemi...

 

Hi dug,

Your roadster sounds like a fun car! Your coupe, too, for that matter. I was thinking the same thing--3.50-3.70 might be perfect. I'd like to run some skinny 15" "cheater slicks". Maybe I'll just keep looking.

Thanks,

Jerry

 

I don't know anything about mopar transmissions. Is this a manual or a stick you are running?

 

I don't know anything about them either. I'm getting a MOPAR A833 from a friend, supposedly out of a 68 or so Roadrunner or something. Non overdrive version anyway. Haven't checked it out yet, so don't know what gear ratios.

 

I meant to ask, is it a manual or an automatic. If it's an auto then 3.25 would be great. You'll be burning rubber from here to tomorrow. Keep us all posted on your progress. Keep in mind, if you channel a '27 you'd better be about 5' tall or you won't fit in the thing. There are ways for a 6' guy to fit in a '27 T but one of them is not a channeled car. I know a way as do others. Stay tuned, keep asking questions. There is a wealth of knowlege on the HAMB. We are all here to help.

 

Sounds like the one I have! '54 331 w/ 833 trans in a 27 T Roadster. I haven't put it together yet, but I plan to run a Ford 9 inch or a Winters QC. I've heard the 8's are OK, and I guess if the tires aren't too wide you'll be OK, but I'd be afraid of breaking the rearend if the tires ever hookup. 3.25's sound pretty tall for a stick. I like 3.80. The hemi has plenty of torque, but still, it's nice to be able to burn rubber on command! BTW, where'd you get the trans adapter? I'm still looking for one.