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Topic: Cruising Speed

in Forum: C3 Driveline Components


Cruising Speed

Posted: 5/15/16 6:30am Message 1 of 6
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WILLIAMSTOWN, KY - USA
Joined: 12/5/2002
Posts: 131
Vette(s): Silver Anniversary 1978, L82?, 4-speed
When cruising on the interstate at about 75 mph, I am pushing about 4 grand on my tack ('78 L82, 4 speed). How can I identify the gear ratio in my rear end and the type of 4 speed in my car? What are typical rpm readings when running at about 75 mph?


Pappy's Toy
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Re: Cruising Speed

Posted: 5/15/16 9:15am Message 2 of 6
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20218
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
'78 L82 w/4speed standard rear gear ratio was 3.70, with the option for a 3.36 ratio. With the rpms you're turning, I'd say you have the 3.70 gears. ALL 4 speeds have the same 4th gear ratio of 1 to 1, or direct drive. You could swap the rear gears for the 3.36 ratio and get your cruize rpms down to around 3000 @ 75mph or so, depending on tire size. Thumbs Up


Joel Adams
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Re: Cruising Speed

Posted: 5/15/16 1:28pm Message 3 of 6
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WILLIAMSTOWN, KY - USA
Joined: 12/5/2002
Posts: 131
Vette(s): Silver Anniversary 1978, L82?, 4-speed
Thanks for the info Joel. I kind of figured a 3.70 gear with the rpms I was pushing. It just makes it a little hard when cruising with a group on the interstate and I'm sure it doesn't help my gas consumption. I will have to consider my options; but since I just got her back on the road, I probably won't do anything this year. I just plan to enjoy her for a change instead of working on her.


Pappy's Toy

Re: Cruising Speed

Posted: 5/15/16 3:28pm Message 4 of 6
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Sebago Lake, ME - USA
Joined: 2/15/2007
Posts: 964
Vette(s): 1978 Silver Anniversary L82 4spd (M21) Red Leather. Pace Car is in the hands of a new caretaker.
'78 L82 4 speed here also and that rpm is probably about right. Don't hit the turnpike too often and only cruise at about 68 - 70 max and I thinks she tachs about 3500 at that.
A 5 speed will take care of that but I don't feel like spending that kind of money. 



Re: Cruising Speed

Posted: 5/15/16 3:56pm Message 5 of 6
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Grapevine, TX - USA
Joined: 8/26/2006
Posts: 1529
Vette(s): 1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air. 2017 Black Rose Grand Sport M7 convertible.
I had the optional 3:08 in my Silver Anniv. L82 4-speed.  That would knock 600 rpm off your cruising rpm.


   

Re: Cruising Speed

Posted: 5/15/16 7:06pm Message 6 of 6
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WILLIAMSTOWN, KY - USA
Joined: 12/5/2002
Posts: 131
Vette(s): Silver Anniversary 1978, L82?, 4-speed
Thanks for the replies. I was curious if anyone else was in the same situation as I am in. I think for now I will just keep her at about 70 as Jeffm suggests for now.


Pappy's Toy

in Forum: C3 Driveline Components


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