[PontiacMatt72]

A lot of great feedback, thanks everyone! It’s funny though, there have been 22 “votes” cast in the poll for this thread as of 8:45am Oct 31. I’ve attached a screenshot of the current results. (Three of the choices each have an equal 6 votes, and the fourth option isn’t far behind with 4).

Obviously any of these choices are a drastic improvement to what I’ve dealt with as far as the first gear situation. The upside to the M20 and 2.93 rear gear is I can keep right up with interstate/highway traffic effortlessly. But around town is tricky.

How do I drive the car is the question that everyone keeps going back to, and I understand why. But that’s tough, because I drive it in a lot of scenarios. From occasional parades to hot rod power tour (this past year). HRPT consists of pretty much all driving conditions - stop and go traffic to interstate routes. And, I’ve been equipping the car with suspension and braking components that would support occasional autocross. I’ve not competed in any autocross events ever, just considering trying it out. But this will not be a dedicated autocross car.

Can’t have it all, I’m fully aware there will have to be sacrifice somewhere.

I think I’ve narrowed it down though to two options: the wide ratio TKX (.72 OD) with the 3.31 gear, or the close ratio TKX (.68 OD) with the 3.73 gear.

Effective first gear ratios:
Wide/3.31 = 3.27 x 3.31 = 10.82
Close/3.73 = 2.87 x 3.73 = 10.70

Cruise speed RPMs:
60mph
Wide/3.31 = 1,807 rpm
Close/3.73 = 1,923 rpm

75mph
Wide/3.31 = 2,259 rpm
Close/3.73 = 2,404 rpm

I can easily deal with cruising rpms up to around 2,500. That’s a non-issue for me.

Is there any secret formula to decide on between the wide or close ratio trans?