The Ford Barn

50Trucking · 05-15-2025, 10:40 AM

I am building A 31 coupe for Street and Strip. I have acquired most of the parts for the engine build which consist of .80 oversized pistons, 1.70 intake valves, a Brierley cam, 6.5 head, dual strongberg 81’s, reds headers and a FSI centrifugal distributor. I plan on using a 39 synchromesh 3 speed tranny with lightened flywheel and V8 clutch.
I am running 1936 Ford 16 inch wheels with 6:00x16 tires.

This brings me to the rear end and what ratio will be best suited for both track and street. I plan on racing in the race of gentlemen which is on the sandy beach of Wildwood NJ.

I am looking at a 325:1 which will give me good road speed but wonder if that is too high for drag racing on the sand at TROG. I notice most guys start in second gear in the sand but with the 39 synchromesh tranny with a 1st gear ratio of 2.82 and a second gear ratio of 1.607, it could make up for the higher rear end ratio by starting in first and speed shifting with the fully syncro trans.

What are the thoughts of the Ford Barn Guru's that have a lot more experience at this that I do.

Are there others I should look at? I would like a quick change unit but they are very expensive and hard to find.

05-15-2025, 10:40 AM	#1
50Trucking Member Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: St Augustine Fl Posts: 56	Rear End Ratios for STREET & STRIP I am building A 31 coupe for Street and Strip. I have acquired most of the parts for the engine build which consist of .80 oversized pistons, 1.70 intake valves, a Brierley cam, 6.5 head, dual strongberg 81’s, reds headers and a FSI centrifugal distributor. I plan on using a 39 synchromesh 3 speed tranny with lightened flywheel and V8 clutch. I am running 1936 Ford 16 inch wheels with 6:00x16 tires. This brings me to the rear end and what ratio will be best suited for both track and street. I plan on racing in the race of gentlemen which is on the sandy beach of Wildwood NJ. I am looking at a 325:1 which will give me good road speed but wonder if that is too high for drag racing on the sand at TROG. I notice most guys start in second gear in the sand but with the 39 synchromesh tranny with a 1st gear ratio of 2.82 and a second gear ratio of 1.607, it could make up for the higher rear end ratio by starting in first and speed shifting with the fully syncro trans. What are the thoughts of the Ford Barn Guru's that have a lot more experience at this that I do. Are there others I should look at? I would like a quick change unit but they are very expensive and hard to find.