I presently am running 3.08 gears in my 4 speed chevelle with 28 inch tires. I am wanting to lower my ratio but was wondering if I could drop to a 26 inch tire and get a benefit. I presently am only getting to the top of third gear in the quarter and was thinking that a drop in tire size could work similar to a gear change in the rearend. Obviously not as drastic but maybe enough to improve my time a little. What do you all think?

You are right, its the same thing.

Going from a 28" tall tire (615.75" circumference) to a 26" tall tire (530.93" circumference) would be like going from a 3.08 gear to a 3.51 gear: about a 13.7% increase not taking tire growth into account. You must also consider the decrease in tire contact patch as well. The 26" tire will have a smaller footprint, so less traction.

Yes I was thinking that the traction would not be as good but, I was figuring drag radials would hook up ok for me. I am only putting out about 360hp actually less as I am sure I am not tuned to get it all.

Ehjorton,

Your math is flawed. You calculated area, not perimeter. I was trying to figure out how your number was so high.

Anyway, the increase from 28" to 26" would be like going from 3.08 to 3.31. All you do is divide 28 by 26 and multiply times 3.08. You don't need to calculate perimeter, the relationship is the same.

Good Luck!

I wouldn't worry about traction with a 26" tall tire.
Thats what I run at the track and on the street

28" tall tires and 3.08's is not a good tire/gear combo IMHO
Anything less than 3.55's a 26" tall tire is about perfect in my experience.

AH!!!! Beaumont...you are right! I was sitting here trying to use that stupid Windows calculator and thinking in my head. Obviously a bad combination :D

I was thinking also...boy...change from a 28 to 26 tire and go from 3.08s to almost 3.55s! Seemed like a cheap gear change.

I wish it were that simple as well...:)