96roadmaster Posted June 19, 2002 Share Posted June 19, 2002 I am trying to figure out what gear to switch to on my 1964 Riviera. I am planning on a 3.73 or 3.90. I know my third gear is a 1.00 ratio (ST400).<P>I have a 3.42 on my Roadmster and it feels fine in third gear (also 1.00 ratio) on the freeway.<P>I know the Riviera would be a bit more aggressive, but have any of you guys tried that combo firsthand before?<P>The car would be mostly used for street driving with only occasional freeway bursts. <P>Any ideas? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NTX5467 Posted June 24, 2002 Share Posted June 24, 2002 I believe the 3.42 was the "performance" ratio for the Riviera during that time frame. I think that'd be as far as I'd go as the 3.73 and 3.90 (moreso) would put high cruise rpm higher than what would be comfortable and reasonably economical. You could get 3.91 and lower gears in the Skylarks back then, but those particular models did not have highway crusing as a priority, obviously.<P>Enjoy!<BR>NTX5467 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Old Guy Posted June 25, 2002 Share Posted June 25, 2002 I think you should check to see what is available first. There have been numerous threads in the past from Riv owners that would like a bigger gear , and they have not been able to find anything better than the 3.42 you have. <BR> Good Luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 28, 2002 Share Posted June 28, 2002 This is just my opinion, but I think more than 3.60 would be to much for a Buick motor. The higher gears keep them in the torque band longer instead of letting them rev. <BR> The 70 Chevelle and the 70 Skylark had 1/4 mile times within .10 of each other, yet the skylark had a 3.60 rear while the chevy had 4.10s. I think both combos were optimized for their engines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 21, 2002 Share Posted July 21, 2002 Check out a thread on v8buick.com under the boatload of fun forum there is a thread on the 9 and 3/8th rear and some info about new gears we are trying to get made. As for your finding the ratio you are looking for new it is all but impossible!! I,like you want a lower gear for launching and then I want an O/drive trans for the hiway!! I've heard lot's of feedback about how Buick's like taller gears. If we find this to be true will just start out in second(HA)<BR>Ed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SBRMD Posted July 21, 2002 Share Posted July 21, 2002 Just a thought: Doesn't your '96 Roadmaster have a 4 spd overdrive, and therefore cruises at speed at about 0.70:1? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
96roadmaster Posted July 21, 2002 Author Share Posted July 21, 2002 Yes the Roadmaster does, but I was comparing it to the Roadmster's third gear, for example, downshifting to third on the freeway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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