IndySmooth

<--- final drive noob. Appreciate the explainations.

I'm wondering if something like this would affect clutch / tranny wear and tear? I'm assuming with 10% more power to the wheels, you're putting at least 10% more strain on the tranny. At the same time, I would guess you'd get a proportionate increase with any mod(s).

Sevs2k

Nope, because the gear multiplication is happening AFTER the transmission, It's in the diffrential since its a final drive = 0 addtional wear and tear on your tranny and clutch. IN FACT, a shorter final drive gear will threoretically put less wear on ur transmission and engine since its easier for your engine and drivetrain to make it spin...

The only thing you risk with such a mod is the differential if the gear is improperly installed, the half-shafts that deliver the power to the wheels from the diff and finally tire wear, thats it, no other strain is put anywhere else.

Oh, depending on how the 350z reads speed, you might also need to install some kind of electronic box that fixes your speedometer, the s2k guys use a yellow box that sell for about a 100 which is easy to install... Otherwise your speedo and odo will be both be innacurate.

IndySmooth

Or you could get one of those step counter watches that McDonalds is giving away with salads now (only available in certain areas) and strap it to the steering column.

IndySmooth

So Nissan didn't do this to begin with because it would reduce gas mileage?

KrazY-2K

I'm wondering how this would affect FI'd cars? I hear a taller final drive than stock would be better for them?

joust75

iTrader: (1)

Thanks Buford and Sevs2k This is what I thought. However as an acceleration junkie I think this would be worth it!

dwnshift

iTrader: (1)

We have looked into doing a couple of different final drives and produced this one first to see how it goes.
I believe for the guy who does a a couple of road course vents a year and spirited driving this set up will work great. The car really comes alive with this gearing.
Passing is easier on the highway in 6th gear.
We are also playing with the idea of a 4.2 final drive. It def is a mod you can feel and is fun playing with.

Juztin

iTrader: (9)

dwnshift,

I am definately interested in a 4.2 final drive mod, I will PM you regarding this

Mr B

iTrader: (2)

Ooh, 4.2? That's high.
I'll stay with the 3.9.

FLY BY Z

I hope you guys don't like road trips or hwy miles because this is going to spin the poop out of your motors. I think this would be a great mod for track only cars or ones that can get a higher 6th gear ratio also. While dwnshift says that 6th is useless on the tracks (and is right) it is very useful on the street!! Personally, I am looking into a higher gear ratio for the rear end. Something around 3.25 instead of my 3.53 or whatever the manuals have. dwnshift if you guys make that I will buy that. Especially for guys with FI or a lot of power. All more gearing will do is increase traction problems. Higher gears will help alleviate that and increase mileage and reduce wear (especially on FI motors - stay out of boost when hwy driving). How about some 3.25's for those who want to go the other way??

Juztin

iTrader: (9)

I plan on accelerating fast rather than having a higher top speed thanks. With that said though, I have way bigger wheels in the rear than norm and I'm trying to offset that and then some, in which case the 4.2 will be just fine

Great point to bring up MPH

FLY BY Z

Cool as long as you never have huge power. The more power you have the less gearing you need. You will accelerate slower because of traction issues on street tires. You can also slow your 1/4 mile times because you have to shift more often. Just a couple things to keep in mind when planning your WHOLE SETUP and GOALS of your car. If you leave the motor stock or just bolt ons and don't care about mileage, etc. these gears will be awesome.

2003z

iTrader: (7)

you can get a 4.08 by swapping in a 90-96 non-turbo LSD. Its the same R200 diff.

Juztin

iTrader: (9)

I haven't heard of that actually being done just yet, specially since there's a good 5 year difference in the same models. If that's possible I'll still consider that though, but I know those 4.08 set purchased OEM from nissan costs around 500.

little_rod

juztin, having taller gears would not be a bad option for an FI car with lots of HP. At around 80, we are doing 3000rpms. It would be nice to be around 2500rpms or less at 80, your mpg would increase, plus you wouldn't be limited by gearing at the top end.

Juztin

iTrader: (9)

I definately agree little_rod . I think it's just all in what floats your boat . I may very well end up with a supercharger rather than turbo so I can use some extra oomph to get to the higher end of the rpm range ableit at the expense of constantly running in higher rpms which will equate for more boost and even more petrol expenditure . But I may just go with the 3.9 when summer time comes around to drop the rear and install the gear & LSD (can't wait) as I will also be going with titlon's fly wheel. Overall it will be interesting to see how it affects the car's performance

Jeff@Performance

Mr B, when you get your gears bring it to our shop. We'll make you a good deal on the install so I can see if this will be a next mod for my car as well. Jeff

Mr B

iTrader: (2)

Not a prob Jeff. I'll probably ask if you guys can do the Nismo LSD at the same time. Thanks Jeff! I'll be calling you soon too to ask about something.

dwnshift

iTrader: (1)

See new post

dwnshift

iTrader: (1)

Check vendors classifieds for per order special on the 350EVO.com 3.9 FD.