[pat in Santa Cruz]

to some degree it also depends on the body type. A roadster is much lighter than a woodie wagon. Higher gears might work OK on a roadster. On my wagon, there is a 33% Borg Warner with a 3:78 rear, and its too tall. 26% would be better. Now with a 4:11, the higher gearing might be better. My sedan, which has an engine very much like yours ( Vermeil built) is only 50 pounds lighter than the woody, has a 3:78 and a 26% OD, and its really nice.