rear gear ratio

[cruisin80]

I am going to do my first mod to my 80 vette which is to change out the tranny to a 2004r from bowtie. can anyone tell me what the stock rear end gear ratio is in a 1980 shark? Next is the exhaust. but can only afford one thing at a time.

 

[Glensgages]

Cruisin80, a book I have, "Chevrolet 1912-1990 lists the following for the '80 Corvette; "Standard final drive ratio: 3.07:1 w/4-spd., 3.55:1 w/auto", and it lists no optional ratios. Hope this helped.

 

[mmvette80]

I thought 1980 only came with the 3.07. Manual or auto.
cruisin, why the 200 tranny?

 

[Glensgages]

mmvette80, I can't help you with the '3.07, manaual or auto'. I'm not so sure that this book is 100% correct on everything. cruisin80, I agree w/ mmvette80: why the 200-4R when 700R4's are easier to find, handle more power, etc.?:confused

 

[JohnZ]

Only one ratio (3.07) was offered on any Corvette in 1980, 4-speed or automatic; there were no optional ratios that year.

 

[Glensgages]

JohnZ, thanks for clearing this up. I wasn't sure this book was correct, and questioned the 'deeper' gearing in the automatic-equipped Corvette....unless the 3.55s and the lock-up converter offered got comparable mileage with the 3.07/4-spd combo. with your prior experience w/ these cars, you are probably correct! ;worship :BOW Thanks!!!

 

[silver 80]

I have heard that if you use a 200 you don't have to get a new driveshaft. If you use a 700 you will have to get one made. sounds like he is on a budget like me I was thinking of going with the 200 also, I'm kinda into cruising but if the need for speed happens then I hope the ZZ4 and the 200 will play with each other. I'll have to talk to bowtie and see if the 200 will take the power.
tom

 

[mmvette80]

It cost me $35 to get the drive shaft shortened. Also with the 700R4 swap the car feels like I put in 3.73's but I still have the stock rear.

 

[silver 80]

So how much did they take off?
tom

 

[mmvette80]

I think it was an inch or inch and a half. I had to measure with the tranny yolk in and measure to the rear yolk.

 

[silver 80]

Thanks, that's not to much. have you heard of a tail housing that is shorter to alow you to use the stock shaft.
tom

 

[mmvette80]

No, I havent. I would think the shortened drive shaft is cheaper. If you have yours shortened call the local drive shaft place and ask them what to measure.