Sure, lots of people are running those gears. What kind of driving do you expect to be doing most? The higher numbered gears will have your engine revving higher while cruising. So, do you want a mostly highway cruising gear or one for better acceleration? Or, perhaps a compromise? Also, what kind of car do you have?
Had 3.64 posi...Now have 3.08 posi in the GSX S1 455 and love them. And ... had 2.73 in the 455 S1 convertible..now have 3.08 posi in that car and love them too! Perfect gear ratio in my opinion for the street.
What kind of Buick? 3.08 is a nice gear, not a huge difference from 2.73 tho 3.23 is nice also. 3.42 is the deepest I'd go without an overdrive.
If your doing mostly city, 3.42 is nice, the 3.42 is ok on the highway but can get annoying at anything more than 70 mph.
If you move to Florida, you will need 1.5:1. People drive 90... You can also run at Bonneville. Win-Win.
There’s a reason Buick engineering choose the 3:42 for our 455’s, it’s perfect for both cruising and hammering!
Based on your comments I think either 3.23 or 3.42 would make you happy. You'll enjoy the increased street performance with either one over the 2.73 you have now.
If your driving doesn't include much interstate/freeway (55MPH+), 3.42's are great. I did a LOT of freeway driving in mine which is why I love the really tall (2.56) gears. Buicks have all the torque so really tall gears are no problem at all on the highway. Don't forget to change your speedometer gears too... -Bob C.
James, it might be a good idea to tell us what car you have. This is relevant because if you have, say, a 68-70 Skylark/GS, or a bigger Buick and you have the stock rear end, you don't have any of the choices you think you have. There are no new gear sets for the 68-70 8.2 rears, or the big car 9 3/8" rears.
If the car is an A body, buying the 3.42 gear set and using 28" tires (275/60R-15, or 235/70R-15) will result in a 3.24 final drive. Using stock a 26.6" tire height (245/60R-15), will give you the full 3.42 final drive.
