3.46 or 3.73 diff gears? VYSS A4

[eaglevyss]

Hi all,

I know this may have already been done to death (sorry), but the search function hasn't given me too many results with this. :confused:

Anyhow, can I please have some advice on what diff gears to go for on an A4 VYSS - 3.46 or 3.73.

At the moment, car has following mods:

OTR CAI, 25% underdriven pulleys, 218/224 cam, EFILive Tune, 80mm throttle body, toughened springs, headers and 2.5' xforce exhaust. Car is a daily driver - but I find the 3.07 gearing in it currently is holding the car back.

Wanted to know, for good all round gears would 3.46 be the go or 3.73 in respect of economy etc?

Anyone that can give the pro's or con's of both of these ratios would be quite helpful to my making my decision.

Thanks. :)

[dyno junkie]

I run 3.73:1.

Fuel economy is improved up to about 80kmh.

[eaglevyss]

Thanks dynojunkie,

what about thereafter? 100-110 kms p/h?

[Micks]

It all depends on what you want to achieve? If your doing a mix of driving go the 3.46's great all round ratio me thinks.

Cheers
VYT

[ls1vt209]

What sort of driving do you mainly do fwy, city? If there is a fair bit of fwy in there I would say the 3.46's if not then 3.73's. People have had mixed results in different cars on here from what I have seen.

You really haven't said what you want to acheive with it though.

[SHANESVZSS]

hey mate , i have a auto vz ss with 3.7 s and its honestly the best thing ive done , great on the hwy at 110km/h around the 2700rpm but you dont notice it much , great for overtaking just ease the accelerator and power is there no lag no "flat spots" IMO only AND much much better of the mark and rolling acceleration real snappy...:)

[eaglevyss]

Hey thanks again,

Country runs (fwy) maybe once or twice a month - more than 100km's from home. Mostly city driving (95%).

The 3.07's in it currently make it a little sluggish and I have heard that the 3.46's or 3.73's will make it punchier on take off and more responsive.

Mainly daily driven, although do like giving it a kick every time it's driven. Don't mind a little more on fuel, but don't want a 9.5 ltr to the 100km on freeway to turn into 12-13 ltrs per 100 on freeway on longer trips.

Again, any pro's or con's on both ratios would be great info for me.

Thanks. :)

[BennyMac]

hey mate , i have a auto vz ss with 3.7 s and its honestly the best thing ive done , great on the hwy at 110km/h around the 2700rpm but you dont notice it much , great for overtaking just ease the accelerator and power is there no lag no "flat spots" IMO only AND much much better of the mark and rolling acceleration real snappy...:)

Sounds good to me....:)

[SHANESVZSS]

OH i forgot the one down side..... rear tyre wear:dancenana::dancenana::driving:

[eaglevyss]

Good one Shane. (rear tyre wear) :rofl:

What ltrs per 100 do you get on freeway runs at say 110 km's per hour on longer trips?

Cheers

[SHANESVZSS]

around the 9.5-10.5 ltr/100. abou 15l around town.

[eaglevyss]

Really??

With respect (not trying to get anyone upset here), all accounts on the forums on here read that even if stocky LS1 or modded, all report worse fuel mileage at 100-110 km's per hour on longer trips with 3.46's or 3.73's?? :confused:

I would think that your fuel usage on trip meter would be higher than that especially if revs are up at 2700 (as previously stated by Dynojunkie)?

Am confused, but if that's what most if not all people are getting for economy then the 3.73's are a no brainer - would definitely go for those.

Pro's or con's on 3.46's or 3.73's on standing starts etc. Is 1st to second much shorter if you don't gun it? I don't really like the way 1st changes into 2nd with 3.07's - too short, wanna hear it grunt out a little more when not gunning it. Will diff gear change make this any better?

[Stretch]

Hi I have very similar mods to my calais except it's also running a hi stall, 3.73's do make 1-2 shifts shorter, also at just over 100k 3rd becomes more like 2nd gear.

Just rememeber also with going to 3.73 if your auto shifts hard it will break traction even more that's part of the reason I went the hi stall as it smoothed out the power and makes the car much nicer to drive.

[VXSS346]

Really??

With respect (not trying to get anyone upset here), all accounts on the forums on here read that even if stocky LS1 or modded, all report worse fuel mileage at 100-110 km's per hour on longer trips with 3.46's or 3.73's?? :confused:

I would think that your fuel usage on trip meter would be higher than that especially if revs are up at 2700 (as previously stated by Dynojunkie)?

Am confused, but if that's what most if not all people are getting for economy then the 3.73's are a no brainer - would definitely go for those.

Pro's or con's on 3.46's or 3.73's on standing starts etc. Is 1st to second much shorter if you don't gun it? I don't really like the way 1st changes into 2nd with 3.07's - too short, wanna hear it grunt out a little more when not gunning it. Will diff gear change make this any better?


Regarding fuel economy on the hwy, do this quick test.

Press 'mode' and 'set' while start the engine, and at 100km/h on a flat road in 4th look at the L/hr reading, then drop it to 3rd, stableise your speed at 100km/h again, (a bit more throttle I found) look at the L/hr reading again.

I get around '8.5' in 4th and '12' in 3rd, so From that it has to use more fuel on the hwy with shorter gears. RPM s will be somewhere in between with shorter gears in 4th so you can work out roughly what hwy economy you'll get.

My 2c

[gezz]

I have 3.9z with a4 one thing i have noticed is that this setup really lacks midrange, example if i am doin 100 to 120kms and put my foot in it really slow it takes so long to pick up coz it kicks down to 3rd the first time i noticed it was racing a v6 six very embarrising i think the 3.7z would be much better in an a4 i spose the only way to cure this is a cam worth considering coz every one wants to race rolling starts on cruises opps

[nirvana]

go 3.7's you won't look back but meh no one listens to me.

[BennyMac]

go 3.7's you won't look back but meh no one listens to me.

I hear ya :)

Also gezz mate why would you need to "put your foot in it" at 120Kph :confused:

Ben

[gezz]

I hear ya :)

Also gezz mate why would you need to "put your foot in it" at 120Kph :confused:

Ben

To get to 160 kph

[TAKEITEZ]

actually gezz... you'd find your 'problem' even worse with 3.7's...
and worse again with 3.46's due to it then kicking back to 2nd, and running out of legs almost instantly and having to grab third, which because of the tall gears takes a long time to wind up...

if you aren't doing a lot of highway miles, i'd actually try to source some 3.9's... possibly THE best mod i've done to my ute (A4 VY Maloo) for seat of the pants feel... it has made the car...
highway rpm is only 2500 @ 100kph... (i don't know where someone else pulled 2700 @ 110kph with 3.7's.........)

fuel economy didn't suffer much at all... the only reason it did was because i loved it so much i drove it a bit harder off the lights and stuff...
but in town it can be better, on the highway the difference is marginal... specially because you don't need 3rd gear to overtake, just leave it in top and breeze by...

just be careful in the wet if you've got the shifts pretty tight too as 1-2 at light throttle will spin the wheels everywhere... and 2-3 at medium throttle can do the same... but anyway, its all good fun :)

[Wonky]

I had 3.46s put in my VZ A4 SS and they certainly made it more responsive. I was very happy with my decision, partly because it didn't cost me much as I picked up a set of low km 3.46s on here for a good price (thanks Mechatron :thumbsup:) and sold my 3.07s (very low km) for a substantial portion of what I'd paid for the 3.46s.

As someone else suggested, they actually seemed to improve my economy around town. I guess that's because it is not working as hard to get the car off the line??? :confused: On the freeway at 100kmh it was still capable of low 9s! In fact on one trip from Narre Warren to Fishermans Bend I got 8.5L/100kms with average speed in the high 90s (when there was only one section of 80kmh for roadworks). However, on the way back it did 9.6L/100kmh as there was a fairly strong wind that day, so averaged out at just over 9 (had extractors, zorst and tune).

In your case given you do mostly city driving I'd be very tempted to go 3.73s. Having said that I've never driven a 3.73 A4 but am basing it on what the 3.46s felt to me. From memory my 3.07s were doing 1820rpm at 100kmh. If so, that would give 2050rpm at 100kmh with 3.46s and 2211 at 100kmh with 3.73 (the 2700rpm figure at 110kmh with 3.73s seems too high as someone else said). My 1820 figure may be a little out but close, so the other figures will also be close and most importantly will be in proportion.

Going from 3.07 to 3.46 is approx a 12% jump but 3.46 to 3.73 is only another 8% or so. Given your driving and how many people change diff gears and wished they'd gone further I'd suggest 3.73.

[BennyMac]

However, on the way back it did 9.6L/100kmh as there was a fairly strong wind that day.........

AND it's uphill :)

Ben

[Wonky]

AND it's uphill :)

Ben

Nah, was a strong tailwind on the way there and headwind on way back. :D

[VXSS346]

From memory my 3.07s were doing 1820rpm at 100kmh. If so, that would give 2050rpm at 100kmh with 3.46s and 2211 at 100kmh with 3.73 (the 2700rpm figure at 110kmh with 3.73s seems too high as someone else said). My 1820 figure may be a little out but close

Absolutely spot on Wonks. :goodjob: My digital speedo/tacho shows exactly that on mine too. (1820rpm @ 100km/h)

[hard ride]

I have a 3.46 and the car has nice mid range accelaration. Crusing on the expressway has very nice overtaking accelaration without kicking down.

I decided on the 3.46 as i do quite a few highway trips and I think the 3.7 would give me the shyts sitting on 120ks. However i wouldn't mind a bit more off the mark go. So if you do mainly city driving I'd a agree that a 3.7 would be the choice.

[eaglevyss]

Thanks to all who posted replies, even if some info was a little out, i.e. 2700 rpm at 110 kph?? :confused:


A few final questions, I'm tempted to go 3.7's, if anyone has the same ratio, what is their experience when travelling at 110 kph on freeway and you overtake with a half to full throttle, what is it like then? With 3.07's it kicks back to 2nd and winds up pretty well.

With 3.7's, is this totally opposite? Will the car kick back to 2nd and then totally be loosing steam? Does it break traction in the wet on a hard kick back at that speed (may be a silly question but want to ask it anyway)? And, if 2nd is no good b/c this ratio might make 2nd gear week at that speed, is it better to manually put it into 3rd to get the power that the 3.07's used to give in 2nd at that speed (110 kph)?

A little more help fellas, and I will be decided. Although I don't do hwy driving all that much, I still see it equally as important as I don't want the car to go backwards in driveabilitiy at higher speeds and only be a screamer at lower speeds and a slug of a car at higher speeds.

Again, thanks to all who have helped so far. :goodjob:

[SHANESVZSS]

Thanks to all who posted replies, even if some info was a little out, i.e. 2700 rpm at 110 kph??

sorry that was me..its been a while since ive been on the freeway more or a very rough questamation on my part..:hide:..again sorry mate..

[eaglevyss]

No problems buddy, I'll call it a typo !! :)

[SHANESVZSS]

haha cheers mate..maybe for some "unknown" reason i was going faster than 110km/h... either way your gunna love the new ratios and so is your car.. good luck.

[VX2VESS]

3.73 are good around town on an auto.

2nd goes out to 100 kph or so (i forget never really looking)

you do loose some on long country trips, but if that once or twice a year not a problem, except i like to see as low as possible on trips. spose you could always have two diffs, 3.08 for trips another for daily driving. but would have to have the ratio in the pcm changed each swap.

An average for a trip of over 1000 k's is 10 lph, round town 12-13 lph with 3.73. with 3.08 it was 9's or less country and 14-15 town.

thought about getting 3.45's to improve the 110kph consumption. but i don't do trips a lot.. but if anyone want to swap 3.45 for 3.73's i guess i'd take the opportunity.

got a 3.08 lsd complete sitting at home atm actually, sons selling its a VY one.

[OUTAtheBloo]

3.9's were awesome in my mrs VXSS. When we went from 3.08 to 3.46 I wasn't excited about the difference.

Don't worry about the economy, liven the old girl up a bit :thumbsup:

Dan

[Speedy Gonzales]

39s if you drive mainly around town, lots of fun :burnout:

[eaglevyss]

Thanks guys,

how is a gear change due to throttle (ie overtaking) going to be at 110 k's an hour with 3.73's? Will it just whine in second and go nowhere? Or (as stated above), will a manual shift by me back to 3rd be much the same as what it would be in 2nd with 3.07's at the same speed?

I can see all the great stuff for around town, just need these questions answered before I proceed. And yes, will take economy out of it. Just wanna know if the car will still pull at 110 - 120 if I throttle it on the freeway when I need to overtake etc.

Cheers.

[SHANESVZSS]

overtaking IMO is awsome , no need to fully plant it just ease the xclerator and the power is always there..i find it better that way than just flooring it. but thats just me , either way u wont be dissapointed.

[VX2VESS]

not sure on the exact shift points without going for a test drive to check.

but you get used to it, say you were on 110 you would probably not hit it hard so it grabs 2nd for 2 secs, ease it down till you past the shift point then hit it so it grab third instead.

if your doing 60 kph on a bend, don't hit it hard or you gone! it will grab 1st gear and be spinning the rears instantly, not what you want mid corner. i know to ease it to 70 then hit it to avoid this. if your going to hit it at 60 then make sure the car is straight and room for fishtailing. it will start when it hits first and continue as its changes up into 2nd for a while

these motors like rev's, so its not like they go nowhere at 5,000 rpm, with these gears will pull hard to the redline. you just don't need a short drop back then up again, but thats what you get used to when to give it what. how much throttle will induce a change at what speeds.

autos i prefer manuals anyway, you can select what you like when you like.

[eaglevyss]

Thanks guys!! All of you. :goodjob:

I'm decided, 3.73's it is. :eyes:

Gotta love these forums, where would be without them eh?

Again, thanks all for sharing. By the way, am also getting a auto trans cooler put in at the same time, worthwhile investment I would say.

GO HOLDEN !!! :rofl:

[Brett SS]

Hey eaglevyss,

I've ran every diff ratio from 3.08's through to 4.11's with my auto's as a daily driver and I can honestly say that the 3.73's are probably the best all round gear for your setup. I'm currently running 4.11's with a 4500rpm hi-stall so it's a bit more radical than most use for a daily driver but mine is setup to run 11's with stock internals so I really enjoy it.

Are you looking at getting a hi-stall with your setup also? If you were going to get a 3000-3500rpm hi-stall then the 3.73's would make the stally feel a bit tighter than if you went with the 3.46's.

Brett.

[SHANESVZSS]

sorry eaglevyss not meaning to hijack your thread but how much is it costing you for a trans cooler if uoy dont mind me asking??...thanks

[eaglevyss]

Shane,

no need to apologise, this is what it's all about - info sharing. :)

The trans cooler is a PWR - $160 for cooler, $215 fitted. I'm not going to cry about $10-20 here or there, I think it's pretty fair.

Am not considering Hi-stall at this point, just the gears, although I do know a hi stall will make the car that much better.

You know what the whole irony of this matter is boys? I drive the car maybe twice a week on the weekend (every other day I have a 4 cylinder box to get to work and back) whilst the Mrs drives the V8 every other day of the week with the kids, so it gets driven like Ms Daisy !!!

How funny's that eh? A LS1, headers,exhaust, cam, gears, 25% underdrive pulleys, OTRCAI and custom tune driven by my wife!! :) Tell you what though, as much as she complains about the petrol (just falls on deaf ears) she likes the power - especially when she puts the foot down when some bloke in a Ford XR or something equivalent lines up at the lights and tries to give her a run. :rofl:

You gotta love it !! Mind you, she never liked the muscle cars; try getting her into a Magna or a Camry now - she'll just end up doing this -> :flipoff:

Thanks again boys!!

[VzSS06]

Excellent thread,im getting 3.73's fitted to my VZ auto on tuesday and ive been worried that maybe i should have gone with 3.46 instead.
My mind is at ease now after reading all the replies.

[Spectrum]

Excellent thread,im getting 3.73's fitted to my VZ auto on tuesday and ive been worried that maybe i should have gone with 3.46 instead.
My mind is at ease now after reading all the replies.

You won't regret going with 3.73 diff.

[185iboy]

3.7's! best thing i've done to my car. so much easier to use power, dont have to use your foot as much either.

[tuff304]

I have changed to 3.73 gears and could not be happier. I have an A4.
Gets off the line alot better then the 3.07's ever did.

[smokey777]

overtaking IMO is awsome , no need to fully plant it just ease the xclerator and the power is always there..i find it better that way than just flooring it. but thats just me , either way u wont be dissapointed.

i always found this too just trumping a car from nothing to WOT never felt as fast as "easing" up to WOT

[VzSS06]

Got the VZ back with the 3.7's,still have to baby it for afew hundred ks more but its gone from doing 2000rpm at 110km with 3.07s to about 2250rpm at 110k with the 3.7s.
Looking foward to giving it some soon to see how the acceleration has improved.

[dtm11]

Got the VZ back with the 3.7's,still have to baby it for afew hundred ks more but its gone from doing 2000rpm at 110km with 3.07s to about 2250rpm at 110k with the 3.7s.
Looking foward to giving it some soon to see how the acceleration has improved.

i have a vy commodore with the standard 3.08 gears. it is a ecotec engine.
Im looking at changing the diff gears so the car is better off the line, good punch off the line mainly plus mid and high with reasonable economy. what sdff gears would u recommend for my needs?

[raji2]

I have a set of gears in the shed, What did they cost to get fitted if you don't mind me asking guys?

[Wonky]

I have a set of gears in the shed, What did they cost to get fitted if you don't mind me asking guys?

I've never had it done myself as I got hold of a complete centre, but typical prices I've seen quoted on here are around the $600 mark for new gears and $600 for fitting etc..

[smokey777]

i have a vy commodore with the standard 3.08 gears. it is a ecotec engine.
Im looking at changing the diff gears so the car is better off the line, good punch off the line mainly plus mid and high with reasonable economy. what sdff gears would u recommend for my needs?

3.7s would be a good bet for the V6

[raji2]

I've never had it done myself as I got hold of a complete centre, but typical prices I've seen quoted on here are around the $600 mark for new gears and $600 for fitting etc..

Cheers mate.. :goodjob:

[dtm11]

Cheers mate.. :goodjob:

do the revs sit higher on the 3.7's throughout the rev range or just when ur on the hway?

the car is a everyday driver and wanting more poke,
but dont want the car to be using too mucg extra fuel to much
its a toss up between the 3.4's on the 3.7's. The car is a Vy calais v6 auto.
what u think?

[Wonky]

do the revs sit higher on the 3.7's throughout the rev range or just when ur on the hway?

All through the range.

[VzSS06]

do the revs sit higher on the 3.7's throughout the rev range or just when ur on the hway?

the car is a everyday driver and wanting more poke,
but dont want the car to be using too mucg extra fuel to much
its a toss up between the 3.4's on the 3.7's. The car is a Vy calais v6 auto.
what u think?
I havent noticed any difference in the km's per tank of fuel going from 3.07 to 3.73 with mine.Its just taken the sluggishness away from off the mark.

[eaglevyss]

Would have to agree with petrol usage comments, if anything - it's made the car more economical down low in city as it doesn't take too much for it to get going.

On fwy runs, sits on 2250 or so at 110 km's per hour, but still getting an average of about 10ltrs/100 in petrol usage. This varies, sometimes 9.5/100, sometimes 11/100 - depends on conditions.

One of the best things I've done to the car any day!! :)

[dtm11]

Would have to agree with petrol usage comments, if anything - it's made the car more economical down low in city as it doesn't take too much for it to get going.

On fwy runs, sits on 2250 or so at 110 km's per hour, but still getting an average of about 10ltrs/100 in petrol usage. This varies, sometimes 9.5/100, sometimes 11/100 - depends on conditions.

One of the best things I've done to the car any day!! :)


what do u think i should get the 3.46 or the 3.73 gears?
i just do not know which ones, i am just thinking of the revs how high they will be sitting, Does anyone know differences between the 2 ,the advantages of either of those gears and dis -advantages?

[VXSS346]

3.07; 1820 @ 100
3.46; 2050 @ 100
3.73; 2210 @ 100

Cheers

[dtm11]

3.07; 1820 @ 100
3.46; 2050 @ 100
3.73; 2210 @ 100

Cheers

which gear ratio is it where u lose top end power?

if i get the 3.46 gears on my car, it currently has the 3.08.
will the car perform a lot better? better poke and the way it drives? or do i have to get 373 for big big improvements?

[VXSS346]

which gear ratio is it where u lose top end power?

if i get the 3.46 gears on my car, it currently has the 3.08.
will the car perform a lot better? better poke and the way it drives? or do i have to get 373 for big big improvements?

All a diff ratio change does is slow the back wheels down for the same engine speed, every gear does a lower speed for the same RPM, by the same % drop.

You need to do a search to learn more about it.

Cheers :)

[dtm11]

All a diff ratio change does is slow the back wheels down for the same engine speed, every gear does a lower speed for the same RPM, by the same % drop.

You need to do a search to learn more about it.

Cheers :)

cannot find much info on net about it.

Have u tried he 346 ratio? how do u think it goes with them?
would i lose top end power at all or not?
im leaning towards the 346 ratio.

[VXSS346]

cannot find much info on net about it.

Have u tried he 346 ratio? how do u think it goes with them?
would i lose top end power at all or not?
im leaning towards the 346 ratio.

No, search this forum I mean.
You won't lose anything, it just all happens at a slightly lower speed, so you'll go through the gears much quicker.

I can't explain it any clearer than that.

Cheers

[vz300]

Personally I have found the 3.46 to be the best bet for an auto gen x....... I have had 3 sets in various cars and never had a drama...... Instant grin when mashing the right foot, off the line a lot better and still great on the highway..... Having said that we have just got another ute back on the road gen 3 auto with mafless tune and 3.9 gears...... Mash your foot in this thing and it will spin you 180 degrees in an instant, very fun to drive but I would imagine very dangerous in the wet........

I have had 3.46's in my alloytec and found a little difference but not huge, wrong gear choice for sure so we are now changing them to 3.73's just to keep it more in the torque and rev range as I am sure you are all aware these things like the revs........

[dtm11]

Personally I have found the 3.46 to be the best bet for an auto gen x....... I have had 3 sets in various cars and never had a drama...... Instant grin when mashing the right foot, off the line a lot better and still great on the highway..... Having said that we have just got another ute back on the road gen 3 auto with mafless tune and 3.9 gears...... Mash your foot in this thing and it will spin you 180 degrees in an instant, very fun to drive but I would imagine very dangerous in the wet........

I have had 3.46's in my alloytec and found a little difference but not huge, wrong gear choice for sure so we are now changing them to 3.73's just to keep it more in the torque and rev range as I am sure you are all aware these things like the revs........

i have the ecotec v6 in my vy and goes quite hard but a bit slow off the line, which ratio do u recommend for my car?
just to hard to choose, i hink i may get sick of the 373 reving a tad to high, but there are mixed reviwes on both ratios.

[vz300]

i have the ecotec v6 in my vy and goes quite hard but a bit slow off the line, which ratio do u recommend for my car?
just to hard to choose, i hink i may get sick of the 373 reving a tad to high, but there are mixed reviwes on both ratios.

Given that most of the talk in this thread is regarding v8's I suggest you take any advice as just that..... Me personally would go 3.46 because without even changing the gears you are already making excuses on why you should not go 3.73, plus the fact that the ecotec will never rev as hard as the alloytec does.

You will notice a big difference off the mark as appose to your current set up...... Just remember when you buy a set of gears they have to be out of a v6 because the v8 gears are a different size........ I got around this by changing my whole diff over to a v8 one........

[dtm11]

Given that most of the talk in this thread is regarding v8's I suggest you take any advice as just that..... Me personally would go 3.46 because without even changing the gears you are already making excuses on why you should not go 3.73, plus the fact that the ecotec will never rev as hard as the alloytec does.

You will notice a big difference off the mark as appose to your current set up...... Just remember when you buy a set of gears they have to be out of a v6 because the v8 gears are a different size........ I got around this by changing my whole diff over to a v8 one........

The thread is about diff gears regarding any holden, yes most of the talk has been about the v8's as they are better and bigger engines..

The car is getting taken to a diff centre, thanks for letting me know though
With the 3.46 gears, would any top end power be lost or not with the 346?

between the 3.08 and 346. the 346 will make the car have more poke plus the rpms will just sit a a tad higher+ extra fuel used., thats all the diffrence, would that be correct?

[smokey777]

should sit at 2000rpm at 100ks with 3.46s... all things being normal

[dtm11]

should sit at 2000rpm at 100ks with 3.46s... all things being normal


what u mean all things being normal[/QUOTE]?

+ more poke throughout the rev range as well?

will the car be able to chirp easier to between gears?

anyone know the cost fitted 3.46?

[Wonky]

+ more poke throughout the rev range as well?

will the car be able to chirp easier to between gears?

anyone know the cost fitted 3.46?

Any change from 3.08 to a numerically higher ratio will result in it becoming easier to chirp gears. Doesn't mean it actually will though on a V6. Best way to go 3.46 is find someone selling a low km 3.46 LSD complete centre. Should cost you around $500 and around an hour or a bit more in labour to fit.

That way you get to keep your original to put back in the car when you sell it if you want. You then should just about get your money back on the 3.46. Total outlay about 2 hours labour for two diff swaps. That's basically what I did with my VZ SS A4.

To change your own diff gears is about $600 labour and about $600 for new gears (if you don't already have) and when you sell the car you'll probably get SFA extra for having 3.46s in it.

[dtm11]

Any change from 3.08 to a numerically higher ratio will result in it becoming easier to chirp gears. Doesn't mean it actually will though on a V6. Best way to go 3.46 is find someone selling a low km 3.46 LSD complete centre. Should cost you around $500 and around an hour or a bit more in labour to fit.

That way you get to keep your original to put back in the car when you sell it if you want. You then should just about get your money back on the 3.46. Total outlay about 2 hours labour for two diff swaps. That's basically what I did with my VZ SS A4.

To change your own diff gears is about $600 labour and about $600 for new gears (if you don't already have) and when you sell the car you'll probably get SFA extra for having 3.46s in it.

. My car is a single spinner, just want to change diff gears for now and get a lsd later on as i cannot afford an brand new lsd at the moment which i want.
I called up a diff centre they have the gears 3.46 to put in my car.
was quoted $1100 fitted. and get the 3.08 gears back..
what do u mean SFA extra ?


Any change from 3.08 to a numerically higher ratio will result in it becoming easier to chirp gears. Doesn't mean it actually will though on a V6. Best way to go 3.46 is find someone selling a low km 3.46 LSD complete centre. Should cost you around $500 and around an hour or a bit more in labour to fit.

That way you get to keep your original to put back in the car when you sell it if you want. You then should just about get your money back on the 3.46. Total outlay about 2 hours labour for two diff swaps. That's basically what I did with my VZ SS A4.

To change your own diff gears is about $600 labour and about $600 for new gears (if you don't already have) and when you sell the car you'll probably get SFA extra for having 3.46s in it.

is this it mate for me to get? : http://cgi.ebay.com.au/VT-VZ-SS-Commodore-LSD-Diff-Centre_W0QQitemZ170269544402QQihZ007QQcategoryZ676 3QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Wonky]

. My car is a single spinner, just want to change diff gears for now and get a lsd later on as i cannot afford an brand new lsd at the moment which i want.
I called up a diff centre they have the gears 3.46 to put in my car.
was quoted $1100 fitted. and get the 3.08 gears back..
what do u mean SFA extra ?

What I mean is doing it the way you say is a hellishly expensive way to go, especially if it ends up still a single spinner with 3.46 gears. You most likely won't even be able to give the 3.08 gears away, so getting them back is neither here nor there.

What I mean by SFA extra is that unless you are lucky enough to find someone who specifically wants a (single spinner??) 3.46 diff in their V6, most people won't give you any more for your car with a 3.46 diff instead of 3.08 when you come to sell it. End result, probably $1100 down the drain (sounds a good price BTW).


is this it mate for me to get? : http://cgi.ebay.com.au/VT-VZ-SS-Commodore-LSD-Diff-Centre_W0QQitemZ170269544402QQihZ007QQcategoryZ676 3QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

That's the sort of thing but given that ad mentions nothing about mileage I'd be very surprised if it sells for that amount. Keep an eye on the classifieds on here - that's where I got mine for around $500 with 15,000km on it (admittedly about 2 yrs ago but they still come up occasionally for about that).

[dtm11]

What I mean is doing it the way you say is a hellishly expensive way to go, especially if it ends up still a single spinner with 3.46 gears. You most likely won't even be able to give the 3.08 gears away, so getting them back is neither here nor there.

What I mean by SFA extra is that unless you are lucky enough to find someone who specifically wants a (single spinner??) 3.46 diff in their V6, most people won't give you any more for your car with a 3.46 diff instead of 3.08 when you come to sell it. End result, probably $1100 down the drain (sounds a good price BTW).



That's the sort of thing but given that ad mentions nothing about mileage I'd be very surprised if it sells for that amount. Keep an eye on the classifieds on here - that's where I got mine for around $500 with 15,000km on it (admittedly about 2 yrs ago but they still come up occasionally for about that).

so im better getting an lsd centre with 3.46 ratio:

How much would they be brand new?
if u can find one that would be great/

[Wonky]

so im better getting an lsd centre with 3.46 ratio:

How much would they be brand new?
if u can find one that would be great
List price I believe they are somewhere between $1.5k and $2k inc. GST, which is why a low km second hand one is your best bet. Just keep an eye on Australian LS1 and Holden Forums (http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=20)

[smokey777]

+ more poke throughout the rev range as well?

will the car be able to chirp easier to between gears?

anyone know the cost fitted 3.46?

good thing about the V8 it chirps 1-2nd auto no worries with 3.08s with box remapped

[dtm11]

List price I believe they are somewhere between $1.5k and $2k inc. GST, which is why a low km second hand one is your best bet. Just keep an eye on http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=20

thanks, if find one please let me know
they will still fit on a v6>?

[dtm11]

thanks, if find one please let me know
they will still fit on a v6>?

Mine is a vy v6 with the ecotec, want it to be more punchier im looking at 346 gears. some say they are good for a v6 some say say the 373s are better for it. Dont know which one to choose.

I know the revs will sit higher and more engine noise when u go lower gears. which ratio willl u reckon for mine?

i am not looking at leaving the diff as standard no lsd.

some say between the 3.08 and going to 346 there is not much diffrenece or wrong gear choice?
some say the same for the 373's

my car is a everyday cruiser and want it to go better off the line and throughout the rev range. what ratio do u recomend to go?

[VzSS06]

Just go the 3.7's,mines a 6litre and it didnt effect everyday driving economywise!!!

[BLN215]

I have 3.9's in my 5.7ltr and it hasn't had any ecconomy loss since fitting, if anything fuel use is better as i dont need as much throttle to get upto speed and it doesn't need to drop back to 3rd when climbing mild hills.

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

dont know weather any one mentioned a staly BUT from my experance with my old vy maloo A4 with 225RWKW and it had 3.75 it was a to snappey at small throttle openings for a smooth drive in trafic
great on the hiway or aney thing over 20k or in scend gear
but to to try to take of from a slow speed in first it was harsh on the neck :)IT NEEDED a staley to smooth it out

[KCB50L]

In an auto, you can't beat a 3.73:1.

[dtm11]

I have 3.9's in my 5.7ltr and it hasn't had any ecconomy loss since fitting, if anything fuel use is better as i dont need as much throttle to get upto speed and it doesn't need to drop back to 3rd when climbing mild hills.


Hi the diff gears im after are for a ecotec v6.

Would there be a good difference if i went from 3.08 to 346?
or is it better to go to 373's?

[VXSS346]

Hi the diff gears im after are for a ecotec v6.

Would there be a good difference if i went from 3.08 to 346?
or is it better to go to 373's?

Umm, how many times do you have to keep asking the same question?? :doh:

[dtm11]

Umm, how many times do you have to keep asking the same question?? :doh:

hi quite a few times i ask.

keep getting different answers, trying to find which one is accurate

as im looking at getting 346 gears and wanting to know approx what the revs sit one throughout the rev range

[macca33]

What revs does it currently sit on at different speeds and what diff ratio is currently in it...3.07:1????

Divide the revs by 3.07 and remember the numbers. Then multiply each number by 3.46 and/or 3.73 and you'll get your revs with those gearset ratios.

Not rocket science really.

IMO - 3.46 or 3.73 would suit a daily driven A4 in V8 or V6 no worries. It just depends which way you want to go and whether both gearsets are readily available.

Cheers,

Macca

[clubbie]

V6 or V8 does not matter as I think the ratios in the auto box are the same.

Bypass the 3.46 and go straight to the 3.73.

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=49533

All the info is right in front of you if you do a search.

100kph is 2187rpm.

Hard to believe but your economy will improve in the city where an average 30km/h or less applies. V6 on the open road less than 1l/100km penalty (untuned).

Cheers

Clubbie

Edit: in case you want to ask anymore questions...check here first. Thanks.

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=55597

[dtm11]

What revs does it currently sit on at different speeds and what diff ratio is currently in it...3.07:1????

Divide the revs by 3.07 and remember the numbers. Then multiply each number by 3.46 and/or 3.73 and you'll get your revs with those gearset ratios.

Not rocket science really.

IMO - 3.46 or 3.73 would suit a daily driven A4 in V8 or V6 no worries. It just depends which way you want to go and whether both gearsets are readily available.

Cheers,

Macca


hi macca, its currently got the standard 3.08.
as said above its a daily car and just wantit to perform better and be better off the line, dont wont it to use a lot more fuel and dont wanting it to be reving overly too high compared to how it is now. which ratio u recomend?


V6 or V8 does not matter as I think the ratios in the auto box are the same.

Bypass the 3.46 and go straight to the 3.73.

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=49533

All the info is right in front of you if you do a search.

100kph is 2187rpm.

Hard to believe but your economy will improve in the city where an average 30km/h or less applies. V6 on the open road less than 1l/100km penalty (untuned).

Cheers

Clubbie

Edit: in case you want to ask anymore questions...check here first. Thanks.

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=55597

car is tuned runing on 98. what a great chart that is. now i can make my mind up
+

thanks


V6 or V8 does not matter as I think the ratios in the auto box are the same.

Bypass the 3.46 and go straight to the 3.73.

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=49533

All the info is right in front of you if you do a search.

100kph is 2187rpm.

Hard to believe but your economy will improve in the city where an average 30km/h or less applies. V6 on the open road less than 1l/100km penalty (untuned).

Cheers

Clubbie

Edit: in case you want to ask anymore questions...check here first. Thanks.

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=55597

why should i bypass the 3.46 and go straight to the 3.73.

are the results from 307 to 346 very minimal or what?
thanks

[macca33]

hi macca...........which ratio u recomend?


As I stated in my post, 3.46 or 3.73 would be much of a muchness to my way of thinking. Do the calculations and you can make up your own mind.

Cheers

[BLN215]

IMO you should just go straight for the 3.73's. I was tossing up between the 3.73's and 3.9s for mine and decided to just bite the bullet and go the 3.9's.
Im glad i didn't go the 3.7's now as they wouldn't have had the stomp i was after. 3.73's would be a great in between i think and as Macca has said you'll more than likely get better fuel economy once they are in in city stop/start driving.

[VXSS346]

hi quite a few times i ask.

keep getting different answers, trying to find which one is accurate

as im looking at getting 346 gears and wanting to know approx what the revs sit one throughout the rev range


Did you not see my post (Post 55 in this thread)?? :)

As Macca33 said, do the sums and decide for yourself.

Cheers:)

[dtm11]

Did you not see my post (Post 55 in this thread)?? :)

As Macca33 said, do the sums and decide for yourself.

Cheers:)

i sorta leaning toward the 3.7's i think the results would probably be better than getting the 346. + more fuel used. with those 373. I guess u cant have everything

[Stelth]

i sorta leaning toward the 3.7's i think the results would probably be better than getting the 346. + more fuel used. with those 373. I guess u cant have everything

There you go !

Best advise i could give you is go for a drive in cars with the different combinations and then make your decision.

If it was me , i would go 3.9's and a tight 3000 rpm converter, for that awesome responsive kick.

Don't be scared , "go hard or go home"

[CRAIG LS2 GD]

There you go !

Best advise i could give you is go for a drive in cars with the different combinations and then make your decision.

If it was me , i would go 3.9's and a tight 3000 rpm converter, for that awesome responsive kick.

Don't be scared , "go hard or go home"
I am with stelth go for the 3.7 for sure, just got my ol girl going tonight after more than 12 months and now have 3.7 did have 3.9 but might be a bit fifferent with a 408, cant tell the difference it all just ends up in smoke lol any wat deffinately 3.7 vote from me.

[TAKEITEZ]

If it was me , i would go 3.9's and a tight 3000 rpm converter, for that awesome responsive kick.

ohh yeah! thats the go :)...

and craig - your car will turn anything to smoke... the 3.73's in yours though give you the extra top end in 3rd gear for the track... a car that needs to be able to pull to 130mph or so ;)


anyway i'd not even bother with 3.46 unless they were free... the change is minimal in my opinion. and if you're going to be paying someone to pull the diff out, swap the gears over, put the diff back in, change the tune to suit, adjust the shift points, pressures and kick down settings then bugger it... go straight for the best gears you can - 3.91 or 3.73... or don't bother at all.......

vx calais v8... 3.73's... average's 15L/100kms around town with a 4k stall!!! on the highway with the lock up clutch revs sit on around 2400 @ 110kph. sips a princely 10L/100km on a good trip.

vy maloo v8... 3.91's... have seen 12L/100kms quite a few times measured over a tank with a 25/75 split of city and highway driving... not tuned with economy in mind...



the cars with short gears (3.73 and 3.91) can be tuned for great economy if your tuner has a go... many do it, and many get great results...

the right diff is one of the best set of the pants upgrades you can do in an auto commodore...

[dtm11]

ohh yeah! thats the go :)...

and craig - your car will turn anything to smoke... the 3.73's in yours though give you the extra top end in 3rd gear for the track... a car that needs to be able to pull to 130mph or so ;)


anyway i'd not even bother with 3.46 unless they were free... the change is minimal in my opinion. and if you're going to be paying someone to pull the diff out, swap the gears over, put the diff back in, change the tune to suit, adjust the shift points, pressures and kick down settings then bugger it... go straight for the best gears you can - 3.91 or 3.73... or don't bother at all.......

vx calais v8... 3.73's... average's 15L/100kms around town with a 4k stall!!! on the highway with the lock up clutch revs sit on around 2400 @ 110kph. sips a princely 10L/100km on a good trip.

vy maloo v8... 3.91's... have seen 12L/100kms quite a few times measured over a tank with a 25/75 split of city and highway driving... not tuned with economy in mind...



the cars with short gears (3.73 and 3.91) can be tuned for great economy if your tuner has a go... many do it, and many get great results...

the right diff is one of the best set of the pants upgrades you can do in an auto commodore...

not bad.

I think i will go for the 3.7's on my auto v6 vy calais.

i just hope with fuel consumption wont be a lot more driving in city and up to 70kms, which i do most

[dtm11]

What revs does it currently sit on at different speeds and what diff ratio is currently in it...3.07:1????

Divide the revs by 3.07 and remember the numbers. Then multiply each number by 3.46 and/or 3.73 and you'll get your revs with those gearset ratios.

Not rocket science really.

IMO - 3.46 or 3.73 would suit a daily driven A4 in V8 or V6 no worries. It just depends which way you want to go and whether both gearsets are readily available.

Cheers,

Macca


Hi this is what a diff guy said for my vyII holden v6

Although 3.73:1 will give far better acceleration and throttle responce, you
are unable to correct the speed signal error, the trans shift points will be
all wrong, the car will spend all its time on the rev limiter waiting to
upshift. We reccomend 3.45:1 as a maximum change.

anyone know about this?

[Wonky]

Hi this is what a diff guy said for my vyII holden v6

Although 3.73:1 will give far better acceleration and throttle responce, you
are unable to correct the speed signal error, the trans shift points will be
all wrong, the car will spend all its time on the rev limiter waiting to
upshift. We reccomend 3.45:1 as a maximum change.

anyone know about this?

I can't comment on the 3.73 vs 3.45 thing for a V6 but I can say it sounds like crap because I would have thought those issues re speedo, shift points etc would apply to both ratios anyway, just they'd be even more noticable with 3.73.

If you do change ratios you need to get those things adjusted anyway, as explained earlier in the thread or in another recent thread on here which contained references to adjustments for changing diff ratios in V6s.

[VzSS06]

If anyone reads thru the 7 pages they will go and get 3.73's simple.

[2 cylinders shy]

I can't comment on the 3.73 vs 3.45 thing for a V6 but I can say it sounds like crap because I would have thought those issues re speedo, shift points etc would apply to both ratios anyway, just they'd be even more noticable with 3.73.

If you do change ratios you need to get those things adjusted anyway, as explained earlier in the thread or in another recent thread on here which contained references to adjustments for changing diff ratios in V6s.

If a i remember correctly VY I V6 had a different computer to everything else so no one botherd developing something to tune it.

[dtm11]

If a i remember correctly VY I V6 had a different computer to everything else so no one botherd developing something to tune it.

yes, the vy series 2 had a different comp a bosch flashtuned system so u couldnt really muck with it as much as the delco unit whihc was in the vx.
With my Comp it is unable to get a biger throtle body as it doesnt work properly. all do with the system

[5.7heaven]

Thread Hijack! everyone is talking about highway driving gains and losses, what's the 1/4mile gain roughly from 3.07 to 3.73? obviously given 2 identical launches. are we talking 3/10ths, 7/10ths?

[Wonky]

One thing many people forget about diff changes and the quarter is what it does for your revs as or near when you're crossing the line. Irrespective of what diff you're running, if you're hitting the limiter close to the line that can destroy your ET and trap speed whether you either hang onto the gear or change and lose momentum and/or time. Therefore under certain circumstances a diff change which should result in increased acceleration could actually increase your ET if it results in you hitting peak revs as you near the line. That said, my SSV sedan with stock 2.92 diff and 260rwkw was bettered by my SSV ute with virtually identical mods and also 260rwkw by 0.34 secs.

I've also found my petrol consumption stayed similar when I changed from 3.07 to 3.46 in my VZ SS and also from 2.92 to 3.45 in the SSV ute. I loved both changes as each really woke the car up coming off roundabouts etc. :yup:

[5.7heaven]

very true, it does mess with your trap speed along with gear changes. mine was about 4000rpm at trap speed with 3.07 and that ran 12.954 maybe if I can fiddle with tyres and pressures I can hopefully keep it in 3rd with the 3.73s. but I'm looking about 3/10ths

[whitels1ss]

Thread Hijack! everyone is talking about highway driving gains and losses, what's the 1/4mile gain roughly from 3.07 to 3.73? obviously given 2 identical launches. are we talking 3/10ths, 7/10ths?
I would expect on a stock engine bolt on car around 5 or 6 tenths.;)

[white lie]

very true, it does mess with your trap speed along with gear changes. mine was about 4000rpm at trap speed with 3.07 and that ran 12.954 maybe if I can fiddle with tyres and pressures I can hopefully keep it in 3rd with the 3.73s. but I'm looking about 3/10ths

Are you talking auto or manual?
But either way, the decision should be 3.91 or 4.11's
Good digging btw ;)

[5.7heaven]

yeah its a stalled auto. only chose 3.73 due to frequent highway driving

[white lie]

Mine ran 121MPH with 3.91's and 26" ET Streets, would be about 6700RPM in 3rd.
Won't even be close to needing to change gears with 3.73's :)
How big is the converter?

[5.7heaven]

2800 converter

[white lie]

Might run a 12.6-7 I'd say.
Bigger converter and you'd be down around the 12.1-12.3 mark from my experience

[5.7heaven]

cheers. it ran a 12.95@107mph a few weeks ago. I was hoping for low to mid 12s if i can get the traction right now that its going to want to spin right up at the start. Maybe i shouldve gone the 3000 stall, grab some radials, hit the 11s lol

[scotty82]

When I went from 3.07's to 3.91's I took 1/2 a second off the ET. Mph went up too. 3.73's should give you about 0.4 off the ET.

[5.7heaven]

looks like 12.5s isnt far off then

[white lie]

What 60 foot time does it pull as is?

[Calais88]

i got 3.73 diff gears are the best all rounders for diff gears, sits a 2200rpm highway on 3.73 in my auto

[JET-33]

i put 3.7s in my a4 vy clubby and LOVED it. wouldnt go any less. the change in driveability was very noticeable and the change in fuel consumption was not

[Calais88]

yes i agree totally:)