Top loader trans, Close ratio\wide ratio

I am trying to purchase a top loader for my 351 W in a 67 Mustang. I want the close ratio but, how do I tell the difference[img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_confused.gif[/img] Can I look at it externally or do I have to take the top plate off or can I tell by the numbers on the case. Is there any way to convert a wide ratio to a close ratio[img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_confused.gif[/img]

http://www.4speedtoploaders.com/

No practical way to convert. Why the desire for the CR trans? In a street app you're better off with the wide ratio.

Too sluggish off the line on a CR.

2.78:1 1st gear in WR
2.32:1 1st gear in CR

Also check http://www.toploaderheaven.com

Allenman85 I have got a 4.10 Detroit Locker 9" how do think the close ratio would do with that gear? Or would the wide ratio be better. By the way this is a street car but not a daily driver. Thanks

By putting in the 4.10 you've effectively multiplied out the trans ratio. When comparing your combo to a WR trans with a smaller numerical rear, say 3.50-ish you end up with the same torque mult until you hit top gear. Then you run out of steam and the 3.50 smokes on by!

For drag racing only I'd stick with the 4.10s and wide. For road racing your combo is good for small torque spread engine.

Everyday? Personal opinion...

Drag cars are almost always quicker with a wide ratio trans. The lower 1st gear helps the car off the line better. Why do you think the 5.0L cars do so well. They have a 3.27 first gear.
The wide ratio top loaders were put in small block cars from the factory to help them with lack of torque. The big blocks didn't need it because of the better engine torque
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If the car is a dedicated drag car I think it would be better with the low rear end gears and the close ratio trans.The close ratio won't allow your rpms to drop between shifts.You'll need a low gear to get you out of the hole though and good traction will be a must.You'll notice a lot of the older 5.0 cars worked well with a 3.55 or a 3.73 rear gear because any lower a rear gear made first gear in the trans almost useless,you had to change gears immediately.

frdnut is right...I just got a '84 mustang GT 5 speed, 3.73 gears. First is almost usless (for now[img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img])

Try getting some traction and that thing will ripe off the line. The only small block DRAG cars I've seen that didn't like a low 1st gear, also didn't have traction. Street cars are a whole different story.
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With slicks, the car will be quicker with the lower 1st geared wide ratio box. On the street, where traction is a problem, the taller first gear will put less torque to the ground, and help keep the tires from spinning.

With traction, you want the lower first gear, without bit it does you no good.

Off the bottle (on slicks) my car will bog with a wide ratio box and 4.33 rear, even when launched at 6800 rpm. Nitrous fixes that. [img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img] 60ft's go from mid 1.6's to a best of 1.43 when the juice is turned on. [img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Good Luck!
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