I have a 72 ss with a new 350, stock vortec heads, 212 in 222 ex @.050 cam, 9.6:1 comp, Edelbrock RPM intake, carter 625 carb, full length headers, 2.5 in. exhaust w/ flowmasters, and a th350.
The engine has been rated at 330 horse does this sound correct? My real problem is rear end gears. What should I be running? Right now i have the stock 2.73
gears and i know this is killing me. The car is a dailyu driver for now. I was thinking 3.55's or 3.73's?

Vortec, the two gears you are considering are probably the best overall 'performance' gears for a daily 'street' driven car. If this car is going to serve as a primary daily driver for some time to come, then I would probably lean toward the 3.55's or even a 3.42 set-up.

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'70 Malibu - 383 'Fog Fed' Stroker! Gold Member #39
Chevellz Alwayz!

Thanks Wes, much appreciated.
Could anyone out there possibly run my setup through a dyno and drag program. I tried to download one and had some problems. I'm curious as to my horsepower and my 1/4 mile time and speed. Please help out.

Dragstrip plus rates the engine @ 308 gross HP. And you'd run a 15.87 w 2.73's ( stays in 2nd gear according to the simulation.)

I plugged in a 2500 stall converter ( assume you have stock 1800) and 3.73 ans you'd run a 13.90 w/same engine.

For whatever simulation software is worth.

Gene, thanks for running that for me. Do you or anyone else think the 3.73 gears would have me revving too high while cruising at 60 to 65 mph?

vortec72ss,

Consider changing your intake to Performer, instead of RPM. This will increase your low rpm HP (torque), & should not hurt high. You are probably shifting below 6000.
Your intake / gear combo. is killing your launch.
Then: how's your traction?
Probably the 3.42-3.55 Wes suggested is enough gear.
3.73 is no problem if you cruise at 60-65.

100+ is much better cruising speed for me.

Tire size (dia.) and converter stall info please.
Harley

to ball park it, with my 4 sp ( no converter slip) 28" tires and 3.55's I run at 3000 @ 65 mph. 3.73's would bring that up to 3150. Not too much IMO.

now I'm not an auto guy anymore, but I would think you'd want your cruising speed to match or be greater than your converter stall or else heat will build quickly. Oh, and BTW, did I mention you need more stall to run a decent 1/4.

[This message has been edited by Gene Chas (edited 08-19-99).]

Gene is right with the 3.73's I have those in my 71 and at 65 its turnning around 3200. And about 4200 @90

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JT
71 SS Vortec 355
www.angelfire.com/co/KellyMotorsports (http://www.angelfire.com/co/KellyMotorsports)