Re: 304/290/200R4 - now V8 Fuel Mileage

["Jim Blair" <carnuck@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

A: You also have to take into account for the size of tires on your vehicle 
when calculating gear ratios. Too many offroaders wonder where their power 
went when they slap oversize tires on. I know my own power dropped a lot 
when I put 33" on (from 26") but going to 3.73 helped that. When I switch to 
AW4, I'll probably have to drop down to 4.10 to keep adequate power.


From: farna@xxxxxxx
Subject: Re: 304/290/200R4 - now V8 Fuel Mileage
To: mail@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Message-ID: <ADVANCES62ednHM3SOl0000003e@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

Yeah, the thing would never pull that axle ratio in OD, and would probably 
put a strain on the engine in the lower gears. First gear total reduction is 
only 5:1 (4.96:1) instead of the more normal 7:1 for stick shifts. That's a 
big drop! Now gear it so that the final drive in OD is 2.22 (2.92 axle) and 
it MIGHT work well with a carefully built torque monster engine. That would 
give you a 6.5:1 total first gear reduction. Of course finding a 2.92 would 
be a chore -- 3.08 is the closest common gear I know of (6.87:1 first 
reduction -- close enough!). In a light car like a Hornet/Concord it would 
be a great combo and a nice little hot rod in traffic! Top end would be 

limited, but 60' times on a strip should be very good!