Anyone recognize this 5 speed trans
but the difference between gears is what can really make driving fun.
Exactly right.
With the GVod, and my Commando 4-gear, the splits are .78-.80-.78,, and Second-over gets me 93mph in the Eighth @ 6200 (by the math) with 3.55s. Shifting at 6000, the rpm drops to 6000 x.78=4680 for a powerband of 6000 less 4680=
1320 rpm. Centered properly that runs very close to peak power from right out of the starting box. So my trap-speed is higher than it should be for the small cam I run.
With a 727/904 the splits are .59-.69. To trap 93 at near 6000,I would need;
3.23s for 93= 6250 in Second gear, or
4.88s in Third gear, for 93=6280
Course, that means I'd need ,more cam,lol.
So lets say the shift rpm is gonna be 6000 like before, and the 1-2 rpm drop will be from 6000 to 3540=2460rpm. So that's a pretty wide powerband requirement, over 1100 more than with my manual trans.
Ok but, who runs 4.88s on the street? Not me that's for sure.
So to trap in Second gear, those 3.23s are gonna be a lil sluggish off the line in day to day driving. So next up is a hi-stall TC. But since the cruise rpm with 3.23s is 65~about 2750, Do I want to run much more than a 2800? I like the 2800, so that is what I ran in my winter-combo.
The point is, for a well-rounded street machine
as you said;
It's important to look at the ratios as a whole rather than just 5th gear alone
Having said that, the Richmond ratios have a very nice progression;
3.28-2.13-1.57-1.24-1.00-(.76od), and splits of
.65-.74-.79-.81-.76od
Very nice indeed, and guaranteed to be fun.
I vote 3.91s; for a starter gear of 12.82 and traps 93@5670 in 1.24 Fourth. Now you just need about 430 hp.
And 65=2430 with 27s
EDIT: in .76 overdrive