3.23 Vs 3.73 Worth the change?

[JGP023]

I have a 2002 WS6 Automatic car with 3.23 rear. Just curious how much better will my time would be at the 1/4 strip. Right now stock running 13.6 at 103mph on street tires. Mechanic told me a waste of money as 1st gear in the 4L60E is really low. Feedback please. Thanks.

[Whamhammer]

What area are you running the car?

Is the car bone stock, or are there any upgrades? What is your setup?

Are you loading the converter for launch?

[JGP023]

Ok now I have a LS1 with the 243 heads, TR55 plugs and the mild cam series Stage 2 from Cam Motion. Per calculations supposedly 425hp now with a smooth idle. I based it on the 2002 ZO6 Vette motor. GM Reman 4L60E, balanced driveshaft, 3.23 twin spin. 3" Texas Cat back exhaust and the SLP air lid. Just a toy for occasional track use. Feels weird doing the strip after all the years of street racing. I love it as there are no longer red and blue lights behind me. I plan on doing the weld in sub frame connectors. I like it looking stock and may do the drag radials but always a good idea to get input from others that have been playing with these cars longer the myself. Any input would way cool. JP

[Whamhammer]

Ok now I have a LS1 with the 243 heads, TR55 plugs and the mild cam series Stage 2 from Cam Motion. Per calculations supposedly 425hp now with a smooth idle. I based it on the 2002 ZO6 Vette motor. GM Reman 4L60E, balanced driveshaft, 3.23 twin spin. 3" Texas Cat back exhaust and the SLP air lid. Just a toy for occasional track use. Feels weird doing the strip after all the years of street racing. I love it as there are no longer red and blue lights behind me. I plan on doing the weld in sub frame connectors. I like it looking stock and may do the drag radials but always a good idea to get input from others that have been playing with these cars longer the myself. Any input would way cool. JP

The most important thing, is that the stock rear is going to be on borrowed time; best thing to do is get on the path to a 8.8/narrowed 9", or a 12 bolt; then a 3.73 or 4.11's would be a good idea.

[JGP023]

Appreciate the input. I just read up and the 7.5 is weakest link. Thanks.

[SMWS6TA]

it's been debated on what is the weakest. The rear or the 4L60 aka 4Lshitty.

[Whamhammer]

it's been debated on what is the weakest. The rear or the 4L60 aka 4Lshitty.

At least the 4L60 can be beefed up to take more power. Worst case one can get a 4L65 for not too much pain.

There things that can be done with the 7.625? rear but will it really handle more power than stock (if even that), if its beat on? Especially with a thin toothed 3.73:1 gearset? 3.42?s are about as numerically high as I would go with this rear.

That being said, my 1989 T/A chewed up a set of Richmond Gears 3.23?s with a bolt on only 305 TPI.