Expert: Dan Liddy - 8/20/2008

Question
I have a 1988 Chevy Caprice Custom Station Wagon with the following: 454 4 bolt main, headers, edlebrock manifold and carb, bored out 30,000 with twin exhaust (2.5 inch) and 400 Tranny with shift kit and am getting different advice for rear end 2 suggestions have been 343 posi and 373 posi. Vehicle is for street use. I want good take off/accel with highway cruising potential and high top end. Any suggestions?
Thanx

Answer
Hi Bruce:

Well you can't have both.  The 3.43:1 will give a slightly higher top end and better fuel economy, while the 3.73:1 will give somewhat better acceleration.  It's probably a moot question though with a 454, you've got gobs of torque and your acceleration ability will be governed more by weight reduction and traction than the absolute last trick gear ratio.  I'd go with the taller gear , that is the lower number.  If you get spanked at a traffic light, well you still have a super cool ride !

Best of luck

Dan Lliddy
Sarasota Florida