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Old 01-01-2017, 12:10 PM   #1
tinkirk
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Default Rear end gear ratio

Anyone ever run a 3:27 rear gear ratio?
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Old 01-01-2017, 12:39 PM   #2
H. L. Chauvin
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Default Re: Rear end gear ratio

If one ever compared highway construction before 1930 as compared to today, one would see where many very early highways had very steep hills because of a lack of heavy duty earth moving equipment to smooth out hills and fill valleys; hence, cars had to be geared down to be able to climb these very steep hills and even very steep entrance driveways.

In my humble opinion, if changing out a rear end, providing such lowered vintage gear ratios in cars today make about as much sense as trying to fight WWIII with black powdered loaded single shot muskets.

Installed a new 3:27 (10) years ago in what so many refer to as an extra heavy 1930 Briggs Town Sedan; but, if one compares vehicles weight differences, one can see where Town Sedans are not extra heavy for a vehicle with wheels.

My car came with a Police head, but I removed the standard cam and substituted a Stipe 330 type cam; plus, changed to a B carburetor, and a B distributor.

With (5) passengers, lots of power even in today's modern, mild "so-called" steep hill country ...... plus with far less RPM's, I get 20 mpg in stop & go traffic.

If I ever finish my 1930 coupe, it will have nothing but a 3:27.

Hope this one opinion & experience helps.

Last edited by H. L. Chauvin; 01-01-2017 at 12:48 PM. Reason: typo
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Old 01-01-2017, 12:57 PM   #3
Mitch//pa
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Default Re: Rear end gear ratio

U can also try doing a search,, lots of info..

"3:27 ratio"

I wouldnt hesitate using it on any weight car, but do take in the fact if your doing a lot of mountain driving..
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Old 01-01-2017, 02:18 PM   #4
tinkirk
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Default Re: Rear end gear ratio

Thanks for the reply
Thats what i was hoping I would hear
No mountians in southwest michigan
Just started on a 29 roadster
That sat for 51 years in corner mice kind of did a number on it
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Old 01-01-2017, 02:20 PM   #5
Mitch//pa
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Default Re: Rear end gear ratio

Go for it....i put 3:54's in my tudor and am sorry i didnt go with 3:27
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Old 01-01-2017, 03:15 PM   #6
Ron in Quincy
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Default Re: Rear end gear ratio

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I live in the mountains so I went with 3:54 gears in my 30 Coupe; running a engine with about 55 HP. Get good MPG, and do not have to down shift on hills.

Had I lived in flat, lower elevation, area would have gone with 3:27 gears.

Ron
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Old 01-01-2017, 05:15 PM   #7
Synchro909
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Default Re: Rear end gear ratio

A little OT but not really.
I run an original 3.78 diff in the car I tow a camper weighing very nearly as much as the car around Australia with and a 26% Mitchell O/D and a Mitchell synchro gearbox (with 15% higher first and second gears). When towing, the 3.78 is handy on a hills or in towns but on the flat and in O/D, it is fine. I've even taken off from a stop (remember 15% higher first gear) and found I have forgotten to shift out of O/D.
By my calculations, a 3.78 diff with 26% O/D is the same as a diff ratio of 3.00 without O/D. If I can start from a stop with camper in tow with a diff ratio of 3.00, I figure 3.26 would be easy in a solo car. The 15% higher first gear makes my first gear even higher - like having a diff ratio of 2.61.
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Old 01-01-2017, 09:19 PM   #8
Tom Wesenberg
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Default Re: Rear end gear ratio

I installed 3.27 gears in my friend's Wide Bed pickup, and hope to use 3.27 in my car someday. That and a 5.5 head and a counterweighted crankshaft will be the only changes from stock, but I feel they are the three best improvements.

I lied, I also use an electronic voltage regulator in my generator.
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Old 01-02-2017, 03:32 PM   #9
modelAtony
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Default Re: Rear end gear ratio

Quote:
Originally Posted by tinkirk View Post
Anyone ever run a 3:27 rear gear ratio?
I HAVE RAN 3:27 in my 31 tudor since 2001 I have a few upgrades check my site.
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