gas prices, gas problems, gears?

HVY84CHVY · 09-23-2005, 10:26 AM

i'm 17 and i own a 84 chevy 1/2 ton with a 400 (bored .030) chevelle block. the truck is lifted 4" and running 35's. the rear gear ratio is a 2.73:1 ratio, and i know that that needs to be changed to a higher gear, but with the soaring gas prices, i was wondering what ratio i should get for better (than 8mpg on highway/city) and still demolish any challenger off the line.

chevyguy · 09-23-2005, 12:01 PM

Kind of a catch 22 there. High numerical gears equal low end torque transferred to pavement, higher gear equal gas mileage.

jobberone · 10-04-2005, 11:58 PM

computer controlled engine with forced induction with proper gearing is best way to get power on demand and decent mileage with DD. Otherwise lots of torque from BBC with low numberical gears, manual with OD .75 to .5 or at least AT with OD like 700R or 80E. That way lots of torque for getting off the line even with final low numerical gearing and fair mileage on highway.

Big truck with big tires = fair mileage at best

I'd go LT1 early with small turbo self built system with internal wastegate, and bearings with oil cooling. Aftermarket harness. 80E or 6sp manual with your low rear end. Add boost as needed but build the bottom as stout as possible to start with. It's ok the way it is at 6-8 lbs. You might get away with up to 12. But no more or it's too risky. Buy the extras to monitor the engine to avoid detonation. Add alky/water injection if over 8.

There are other combos that will work. You still have a truck with big tires so don't think you'll get too much.

09-23-2005, 10:26 AM	#1
HVY84CHVY Full Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: MA Posts: 30	gas prices, gas problems, gears? i'm 17 and i own a 84 chevy 1/2 ton with a 400 (bored .030) chevelle block. the truck is lifted 4" and running 35's. the rear gear ratio is a 2.73:1 ratio, and i know that that needs to be changed to a higher gear, but with the soaring gas prices, i was wondering what ratio i should get for better (than 8mpg on highway/city) and still demolish any challenger off the line.

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09-23-2005, 12:01 PM	#2
chevyguy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: ALABAMA Posts: 3,160	Kind of a catch 22 there. High numerical gears equal low end torque transferred to pavement, higher gear equal gas mileage.

10-04-2005, 11:58 PM	#3
jobberone Full Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 21	computer controlled engine with forced induction with proper gearing is best way to get power on demand and decent mileage with DD. Otherwise lots of torque from BBC with low numberical gears, manual with OD .75 to .5 or at least AT with OD like 700R or 80E. That way lots of torque for getting off the line even with final low numerical gearing and fair mileage on highway. Big truck with big tires = fair mileage at best I'd go LT1 early with small turbo self built system with internal wastegate, and bearings with oil cooling. Aftermarket harness. 80E or 6sp manual with your low rear end. Add boost as needed but build the bottom as stout as possible to start with. It's ok the way it is at 6-8 lbs. You might get away with up to 12. But no more or it's too risky. Buy the extras to monitor the engine to avoid detonation. Add alky/water injection if over 8. There are other combos that will work. You still have a truck with big tires so don't think you'll get too much.