Gear's are in!

[thickstunalexndr]

I am considering getting gears...they'll be expensive because of installation, but I hear good reviews with them...

1) I cannot decide if I want 3.73's, 3.90's or 4.10's...

People say the 4.10's really throw you back in the seat, but bitch about driving on the freeway...I do alot of freeway driving, so I'm not sure how that would work out.

2) I also still have a warranty...would they be able to find gears if I had to take it in?

Should I just wait until the warranty is up and save my money until then??? Would gears from ford racing not kill my warranty???

[Mr. Bueno]

what year mustang do you have?

I recommend 4.10 gears. Highway is no problem with this gear. 90mph ~ 3,000rpms. 75mph ~ 2600rpms. Only several hundred above stock.

Pulls like a raped ape after gears, and when passing on the highway, u can actually pass in 5th vs. downshifting.

Highway mileage will go down slighty. City mileage will go up. Depends on your right foot of course! :D
TP

[thickstunalexndr]

Hell yeah...sound like a pretty good deal...

[HeloPilot]

I have 4.10's they are nice....I make frequent 350 mile trips to TN, it's about a 200 RPM difference between 3.27 and 4.10 at 70 mph.

Another advantage, you can ride around town in 5th @~ 1800 RPM, vs. 2200 in 4th with the stock gear, hense saving gas.

Gears won't make a difference, you could over rev. your engine with stock gears just as well as with 4.10's. I just had my clutch replaced under warranty Friday (16 Jan).

Rich

[thickstunalexndr]

So they didn't notice the gears then? was this yeoman's ford?

[HeloPilot]

You can't just "notice" gears...they won't know the difference unless you tell them.

I also have a Diablo chip, it was never an issue. I took it to Ed Sherling Ford, here in Enterprise, AL. The only warranty gears will void is that which is affected by them...i.e, rear end, the axle seals that teh shop you take it to screws up (Volusia Drivetrain), etc. I wouldn't wory about it...

If I remember correctly, the Ford dealership is real leniant about mods and warranties. Someone on this site was speaking about it.

Rich

[thickstunalexndr]

I found 4.10 gears on ebay for $129.99...should I avoid el-cheapo gears...or is that not significant...they say 8.8...is that the diameter in inches???

http://i14.ebayimg.com/03/i/00/8f/91/4f_1.JPG


These new Motive ring and pinion are a Good Upgrade for your 5.0 Mustang, Cobra or LX. These will also work in 8.8 Ford Pickups and any other car or truck with 8.8 gear sets. They will work with either a posi or open unit.

Fits Following
86 to Present Mustang V8
87 - 96 Thunderbird
88 - 96 Cougar
...yadi yadi yaaaa

[thickstunalexndr]

Oh yes...also, where would be the best place to have them installed???

[HeloPilot]

Don't mess around with anything but Ford Motorsport or Richmond...the cheap types are hard to shim and could cause future problems.

I took mine to Volusia Drivetrain...the Ford dealership here, after repairing the axle seal that was leaking about a month after said, "You shouldn't go back to the shop that did this..." So I don't know who you should take it to....


Rich

[Grannynational]

motive gears are good, buy them if the price is right

Joe

[machspeed]

I would recommend ford motorsport. When you buy the gears you'll have to by a bearing set also (about 60 bucks). I would only to go a place that comes highly recommended. if some joe blow puts them on, they might squeek for the rest of the cars life. I paid 180 for the install but i knew the guy. I can recommend two places in south florida.

[thickstunalexndr]

What kind of 1/4 mile gains could I expect...realistically...

[Ponyperformance6]

I picked up .4 in the 1/4 on my 98 by going from 3.08s to 3.73s and using a superchips chip. The jump you will be making from 3.27s to 4.10s will be the same amount, but don't expect a big difference in the 1/4 yes because trust me all you will do is spin. Get some tires if you want the times to go down. I have heard that 4.10s are a bad choice for our cars because of the extra shift necesary and it makes your shift points come up a lot faster. For my money i will probably be sticking with stock gears for a good while.

You need to start looking into suspension buddy, more than anyone of us that convertible you have not only ads weight, it flexes like none other. Before you get slicks or drag radials I would suggest that you look into subframe connectors from Steeda, Maximum Motorsports, or Kenne Bell. Also buy lower control arms, and upper rear control arms if you can.

In other words.... buy this:

http://www.maximummotorsports.com/mmrg.asp

and this

http://www.maximummotorsports.com/sfc.asp

[thickstunalexndr]

I'm considering the full-length sub-frame connectors for my car...who would install these? I'm not sure about the control arms yet...

[Brian97vobra]

Definitley go with the 4.10's. And make sure you get the ford racing gears. Don't get the cheap shit unless you want it to whine or possibly break. Not really sure where to get them installed around here. I took my truck to volusia drivetrain and they replaced the rearend and gears and did an awesome job! But on the other hand i also had them swap out the gears in my cobra and it fucking sucks! They whine like a bitch! So i'm pretty pissed about that. I just have been too lazy to go back down and bitch about it.
If you want a high quality mustang shop go to Lamotta Performance down in Longwood. It's about a 45 minute drive, but definitley worth it! That's where i take my car if i need anything done. If you want i can give you there number. Their awesome though i can't say enough good things about them! :)

[thickstunalexndr]

You need to start looking into suspension buddy, more than anyone of us that convertible you have not only ads weight, it flexes like none other. Before you get slicks or drag radials I would suggest that you look into subframe connectors from Steeda, Maximum Motorsports, or Kenne Bell. Also buy lower control arms, and upper rear control arms if you can.


I need thoughts on these before I make a buy. CGS or tubular subframes. Granatelli upper and lower control arms. Thoughts?
CGS
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=42609&item=2458543 687

Tubular
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=42609&item=2458205 756

Granatelli Upper and lower control arms
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33583&item=2458175 444

[Ponyperformance6]

tubular subframes will hurt your ground clearance if you decide to lower it.

Will

[Grannynational]

Good tires will only help out your times at the track, but paired with good suspension work even better.

Joe

[thickstunalexndr]

I'm bidding on Ford Motorsport 4.10 gears right now. If I don't win them, I'll hold off until the summer to get them (to realistically still have money left this semester). That way, I can save up money working to get the supertuner I've always wanted to correct for the speedometer and add even more hp's.

Are the bearing sets a must if you're getting gears?

[thickstunalexndr]

If you want a high quality mustang shop go to Lamotta Performance down in Longwood. It's about a 45 minute drive, but definitley worth it! That's where i take my car if i need anything done. If you want i can give you there number. Their awesome though i can't say enough good things about them! :)

Yeah, I'd love to get their number. I want these gears installed by someone who's credible...can't really say that about Volusia Drivetrain from all the reviews...

[Brian97vobra]

Here ya go!
407-695-4549
Talk to either Jake, the owner, or Patrick and they'll hook ya up!

[thickstunalexndr]

Coolness, got 4.10's on their way...I only have the ring and pinion set. Not sure if that's all I need, but I'll see. The bearing sets are for older or high mile cars from what I've been hearing, correct me if I'm wrong.

[Brian97vobra]

Yep that's correct. But when they go through your rearend they'll check out all the bearings and seals. So if you need anything replaced then they'll let ya know.

[thickstunalexndr]

:banghead: Called Lamotta Motorsports and told them I had gears on the way. They said it wouldn't be a problem until I told them they were "Motive" gears. Then they said "Won't install them...and Richmond, too many complaints of gear whine". Now I'm calling Motive to see if I can take the gears back, but their customer service is nonexistant!

I may just list the Motives up on ebay for what I bought them for...Lamotta said they'll do the install with Ford Motorsports gears included for $400.00. That sounds like a pretty good deal and I guess they won't whine...

**Oh yes...I just ordered a Superchip Micro Tuner to correct the settings and throw on some more horsepower as well :D As soon as that arrives, I'm heading straight to Lamotta with a fat wallet!

[Brian97vobra]

Didn't we all tell you not to get the shitty gears? Because yes they will whine and are generally shitty.lol
Yeah definitley get some of the fms gears and you won't have a problem. I guess the reason they won't install the shitty gears is cause they don't want people to think that they messed up on the install causing them to whine, when it's really the gears fault.
I just found out that my supposedly fms 4.30's are made by richmond and not fms. So that would explain why the damn pos whines. FMS only makes up to a 4.10 gear, after that they just use Richmond gears. :banghead:

[Grannynational]

4.10's out of an F-150 at the junk yard. put them in yourself. allready broken in wont wine at all. Dosnt anybody subscribe to Car Craft anymore :D:D

Joe

[thickstunalexndr]

Didn't we all tell you not to get the shitty gears? Because yes they will whine and are generally shitty.lol
Yeah definitley get some of the fms gears and you won't have a problem. I guess the reason they won't install the shitty gears is cause they don't want people to think that they messed up on the install causing them to whine, when it's really the gears fault.
I just found out that my supposedly fms 4.30's are made by richmond and not fms. So that would explain why the damn pos whines. FMS only makes up to a 4.10 gear, after that they just use Richmond gears. :banghead:

All is in the clear, I got a hold of them and stopped the order! Yes, I should've listened...I also had a post up on Mustangforums...they said motives would be good for the right price...I guess that was the key word "for the right price"...but I'll be getting my 4.10's next week as soon as my Supertuner arrives!

[HORSEpower]

Gears are gears. I would question any performance shop that descriminates against installing certain brands of gears.

Kurt

[Brian97vobra]

Gears are gears. I would question any performance shop that descriminates against installing certain brands of gears.

Kurt

Sorry to say but that's wrong. I would think the same thing but in reality there not.

[HORSEpower]

I know plenty of people running Motive gears and Richmonds without a problem.

Kurt

[DARstang]

You haven't said for sure if your getting subframes. I would definetly recommend it, especially on a convertible. My oppinion I like Kenny Browns double cross super subs and if you really want to go crazyget the extreme matrix brace. I'm running just the the double cross subframes on my convertible and they made a hell of difference. Also if you don't stiffen it up and you start launching on slicks you'll get wrinkles in the side of your car from body twist. This happened on my cousins LX but i imagine it would be worse on a convertible, I didn't take any chances to find out on mine.

[Brian97vobra]

I know plenty of people running Motive gears and Richmonds without a problem.

Kurt

And i know plenty of people running those gears that do have problems. All things are not created equal. That's just common sense.

[Brian97vobra]

You haven't said for sure if your getting subframes. I would definetly recommend it, especially on a convertible. My oppinion I like Kenny Browns double cross super subs and if you really want to go crazyget the extreme matrix brace. I'm running just the the double cross subframes on my convertible and they made a hell of difference. Also if you don't stiffen it up and you start launching on slicks you'll get wrinkles in the side of your car from body twist. This happened on my cousins LX but i imagine it would be worse on a convertible, I didn't take any chances to find out on mine.

Yeah that's true. It happened on my buddy's 95 cobra.

[HORSEpower]

I prefer Motorsport Gears myself. That's what I use. I think that Richmond makes Motorsport gears. Ford doesn't make many of their own performance parts.

Kurt

[thickstunalexndr]

You haven't said for sure if your getting subframes. I would definetly recommend it, especially on a convertible. My oppinion I like Kenny Browns double cross super subs and if you really want to go crazyget the extreme matrix brace. I'm running just the the double cross subframes on my convertible and they made a hell of difference. Also if you don't stiffen it up and you start launching on slicks you'll get wrinkles in the side of your car from body twist. This happened on my cousins LX but i imagine it would be worse on a convertible, I didn't take any chances to find out on mine.

I have cross subframes on their way. They should be here tomorrow I believe...actually, my apartment complex may already be holding them. I'm getting them installed wednesday for sure.

Speaking of which, who's a really good place that'll do a nice install?

*And I'm down from a 14.34 @ 98 to a 13.86 @ 100. I can only imagine where the gears and tuner will put me (as long as I can stay planted). I've been heating up my street tires. It works great because they hook well...but yes, the tread will not be there for long...

[thickstunalexndr]

The gears are in! :D

Lamotta Motorsports did a great job. Thanks for the recommendation! The gears don't make any noise at all, and they were pretty knowledgeable about everything. I watched them dyno a Cobra and an earlier gt with huge cams on a trailer outside for 2 hours while they did the whole thing.

I've been instructed to drive easy for 200 miles before I get on the gas. So I'm not sure how well the acceleration has improved yet...but it feels like it's ready to get up and go! It feels much peppier than before for sure...I may take it out to the track this friday, or should I allow it more time? I should have 200 miles on it by then.

[Brian97vobra]

That's good to hear! Yeah man i would go to the track friday if i were you. Hopefully i'll be there as well. I gotta get my damn car ready for FFW, which is in another week or so! :banghead:

[HORSEpower]

What class are you running in FFW? And if you say you're running modular, you're a pussy.

Kurt

[Brian97vobra]

What class are you running in FFW? And if you say you're running modular, you're a pussy.

Kurt

HAHA F U! Actually that's what i was planning on running. But i was also thinking about true street. Although that said you need to have dot tires. So i don't think i'll be able to do that, unless i can find some et streets.
So i'm still undecided.
You running???

[HORSEpower]

Modular class is only good for one thing. It gives you a break from the racing to walk around and check out the rest of the show. Last year at Bradenton, there were 146 cars running modular. It is a ridiculous waste of time. It's a pussy bracket race, which people win in rental cars. It makes it appear that modular engines need a crutch to compete. If they wanted a real class, they'd make it heads up, with limitations on mods. You won't be competive in modular because there will always be a Crown Vic out there running a solid 17.321 over and over. I think they banned rental cars last year though. You'd just be an exhibitionist that would eliminated in the first round. The truth is that your car isn't competitive in any class, and neither is mine. You have to have a purposebuilt racer to win a class. The only class I can run in is Renegade, where the competive range is high 8s, and I'm running a mid 11. I'd just look stupid running. You also have to have a lot of money up front. If you start building a car this year based on this year's rules, the rules change next year, and all of a sudden you are half a second behind the pack. I remember the good old days where everyone ran EFI renegade, and mid 10s would get you a trophy.

Kurt