BritishV8 Forum

General Category => Engine, Transmission, & Rear Axle assy. => Topic started by: dlwharleyman on May 25, 2018, 11:48:59 AM

Title: Suggested gears for a ford 9 inch 3.55 in a 1974 Jensen Healey
Post by: dlwharleyman on May 25, 2018, 11:48:59 AM
My 74 Jensen Healey has a 1988 TPI (tuned port injection) 350 and a 700R4  automatic transmission, with a Ford 9 inch rear end with 3.55 gears. The rear tires are P205/60 R14 and look to be around 23" tall. The TPI 350 has a tons of low end torque. The previous owner used to drag race it and won some races. Needless to say, with the high torque and 3.55 gears, it takes very little gas for the tires to spin. Feels like I can hit the gas at 50 to 60 and have tire spin. Looking at putting lower gears in to make more highway friendly, but would still like some good torque for in town and mountain driving. Recommendations?
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Title: Re: Suggested gears for a ford 9 inch 3.55 in a 1974 Jensen Healey
Post by: Jim Stabe on May 25, 2018, 12:25:13 PM
Those engines are stump pullers especially with an automatic. I would try to get a larger tire on the car for better traction as well as lower cruising rpm. With OD you won't need a super tall gear, maybe a 3.23 or so. Try to get the rpm at 70 mph under 2000, that seems to be a sweet spot for mileage.
Title: Re: Suggested gears for a ford 9 inch 3.55 in a 1974 Jensen Healey
Post by: roverman on May 30, 2018, 01:52:50 PM
Got posi ? With the Huffaker rear glass fenders you get 12" wide wheelwell,(move shock). LT1 is all iron ? If so, around 60% +/- on front, weight bias ? Your size tires pretty hopeless for stoplight grandprix... Drag shocks on the front = bumpy street ride. Maybe finesse the instant center of rear suspension ?  You could try some sticky slicks, to push that smile further back on your face ?  Good Luck, art.