Aftermarket final drive ratio?

[QUIKAG]

Is there one available? I know our Vibe GT's already have a fairly steep 4.53 final drive ratio, but I'd love a 5.xx something to keep the car in lift easy in all the gears. Sixth gear is enough of an overdrive to keep the rpms at a sane limit..I'm just trying to figure out a way to keep my car in lift easily on the 1-2, and 2-3 upshift. I think my 17 inch wheel/tire package is killing my ability to maintain lift.Also, going from 3.42 to 4.10 gears in my Vette made an amazing acceleration difference, especially from a 'feel' standpoint, instant thrust anywhere at anytime. Anyway, we need some steeper gears for the Vibe!!

[QUIKAG]

Don't everybody reply at once.

[NovaResource]

I don't know but I'd like to change my FWD auto 2.96 gears for any of the other ones:Auto (AWD) = 4.245-speed manual = 3.946-speed manual (GT only) = 4.53

[QUIKAG]

So, do you know if they're interchangeable? Why are the AWD gears so much steeper than the FWD gears?

[NovaResource]

quote:So, do you know if they're interchangeable?I would think so but I don't know that for sure.quote:Why are the AWD gears so much steeper than the FWD gears?Because the FWD and AWD have different autos with different gear ratios:Auto (FWD):1st : 4.012nd : 2.213rd : 1.434th : 0.98Reverse : 3.27Final Drive Ratio: 2.96Auto (AWD)1st : 2.852nd : 1.553rd : 1.004th : 0.70Reverse : 2.34Final Drive Ratio: 4.24

[QUIKAG]

What was the purpose of using different autos for FWD and AWD? Interesting info, nonetheless!

[NovaResource]

Because the 4WD auto needs an output shaft for the rear wheels and the FWD auto doesn't.

[QUIKAG]

Damn, you're a genius, Nova. Thanks! I still want 5.xx gears for my GT.

[MadBill]

Quote> I'm just trying to figure out a way to keep my car in lift easily on the 1-2, and 2-3 upshift. I think my 17 inch wheel/tire package is killing my ability to maintain lift.Higher numerical final drive gears may help acceleration, but they won't change the RPM drop after a shift; that's determined strictly by the intermediate gear ratios. (unless you slip either the tires or the clutch)

[QUIKAG]

Madbill,We've already had this discussion before. I conceded that you were right....it just seem counterintuitive though because if you tighten up the final drive, then it's going to narrow up the operating band at WOT and redline upshifts...maybe not, though..

[MadBill]

Yes we did. I didn't want to sound like a nag though, so I didn't mention it...

[QUIKAG]

You convinced me before, I just need to sit down and do some math and figure it out for myself.

[MadBill]

The calculation is pretty straightforward QUIKAG, given that excellent gear chart that NovaResource recently published!Example: If you are in second gear at 8,400 RPM and you shift into third, the RPM will now be {1.48 (3rd gear ratio)} divided by {2.05 (second gear ratio)}, or 6,064 RPM*. Ta Dah!: That's all there is to it!(Notice how the final drive ratio, tire diameter, etc. don't enter into it.)*Assuming you don't dawdle about and let the vehicle speed drop off during the shift.

[QUIKAG]

Thanks for the calculation, Madbill!!

[MadBill]

Anytime, QK!

[NovaResource]

Bumping this thread back to the top and getting back to the original question: does someone make aftermarket final drive gears for the Vibe transmissions? BTW, what Toyota auto trans (FWD) is in the Vibe anyway (as the model number)? I'm sure Celica guys have changes gears so we should be able to as well.

[ragingfish]

Wow, I have never been more confused about anything in my life!

[Faultline]

Hi! I have the 5spd, and a turbo...just to experement w/gearing, I changed my wheel diameter from 25" to 22.5"by putting on 215 40/16's...now of course, the gap in between gears are the same,but when they are lower, rpms accelerate faster when gears are lower than they use to be...if the same was done on the 6spd, if you fall out of lift,you will stumble back faster if gears are lower...ultimately you will shift faster to be accelerating at same speeds...In my case, I like 4th gear better...it has decnt power and acceleration w/ the turbo...and 5the is still a great cruiser , but i have some umph in it though....overall I , I like 2-5th better, in 1st, I can spn tires even easier, which is not my goal....and I supose though, I will get more life out of my clutch...before you spend $$on gearing, you might want to experiment w/ changing your fwd tire diameter...see what you learn...

[goodvibe]

I've always wondered why racers don't use lower profiles on 15* or 16^ rims to effectively drop the final drive ratio. Wouldn't help that 1-2 shift in the 6 speed but the motor sure would pull better.