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Right now I have an I-6 300, 2WD, C-6 tranny Bronco w/3.08 stock rear gears. As far as fuel economy goes (for street, city driving mainly), although I've been suggested to get lower gears, that would probably decrease MPGs. Wouldn't it be better for me to get higher gears, say 2.7x , and get a bigger, higher HP engine to compensate for it (351W, 351C) in order to improve mileage and some performance as well?. Thanks! PS: Mine is a street truck: No hauling, towing or off-roading needed basically, I prefer speed!
I have an E 150 with a manual OD trans and a 3.50 diff. That makes the final overall ration in OD about 2.8. I have 31 inch tires. My 6 pulls it ok over 45 MPH on flat ground. Will pull mild hills ok.
With a C6 you could probably move down to 2.79's and be ok, as long as you are in the no tow, no offroad zone. Doggy off the line though.
Do you have a 9 inch or 8.8? The 9 ain't called "the poor man's quick change" for nothing. Once you get the proceedure down, you can change it out every week depending on how you feel, if you want.
As far as tall tall gears with a bigger motor getting better MPG, good luck.
Or, you could go 3.73 or 4.10 and buy a Gear Vendor (or other fine brand, if there are any) overdrive for your C6 and away you go. Lots of low end grunt and top end to boot.
Right now I have an I-6 300, 2WD, C-6 tranny Bronco w/3.08 stock rear gears. As far as fuel economy goes (for street, city driving mainly), although I've been suggested to get lower gears, that would probably decrease MPGs. Wouldn't it be better for me to get higher gears, say 2.7x , and get a bigger, higher HP engine to compensate for it (351W, 351C) in order to improve mileage and some performance as well?. Thanks! PS: Mine is a street truck: No hauling, towing or off-roading needed basically, I prefer speed!
Not always if you get the Motor out of it's power band you can loose MPG and power. The I-6 has lots of TQ stock so pulling the 3.08 gear is not a problem. say a 351w or c makes it's TQ a little higher where the 3.08 or 2.xx gears will drop RPM's below there power range. Most get there best MPG/power band in the 3.50 ratio range. Gear ratio plays a big part in any motor built or stock. I wouldn't be surprized if you built a 400+HP 351w or C. with 2.xx gears and a stock I-6, 302,351w or 351c blows your doors off with 3.50 ratio. Just because there in the motors power band or can get in it's band faster.