Question about going to a low 1st gear in a C4

68Coupe · 07-24-2012, 12:55 PM

I have a bracket car that runs 6.70's in the 1/8th with 1.43/1.44 60ft
The car has ladder bars/coil overs and i run a 28x10.5 bias slick weighs 3100lbs with driver
I am a huge fan of stock/super stock, especially the wheelstands.

When my car leaves it picks the front tires up about 8" and carries them out @20ft. I would like it to pick them up even higher
I was wondering if i put a low 1st gear in my C4 if it would make a big difference in how the car leaves. Also would it effect how the car runs.

Mike Pearson · 07-24-2012, 02:48 PM

its probably more the converter and the rear gear that will make the difference. Also how the engine is tuned. My powerglide has a 1.98 low gear and will get the wheels real high if I want it to. I am sure your C4 has a lower gear than that. The engine that I have in the car now actually likes a real tight shock setting and keep the front end down. Each combo will like something different.

Mike Graham · 07-24-2012, 07:06 PM

I agree with Mr Pearson. It is more the converter than the low gear set. The stock c-4 has a 2.43 low gear. I run a SS/GT mustang with far less than the stock ratio and my car will drag the bumper without the front end tied down and 50 lbs of ballast on the front.

68Coupe · 07-24-2012, 07:19 PM

so are you saying i need more converter?

Chris1529 · 07-24-2012, 08:21 PM

Also, if you put in a lower first gear, it will definately affect your converter. You will find you won't be able to leave at the same RPM. It will not stall as high after you install a low gear.

I would start with another converter too. What engine are you running now?

68Coupe · 07-24-2012, 08:41 PM

running a 393W

Mike Graham · 07-24-2012, 09:25 PM

There are too many unknowns to make a blanket statement.
Camshaft?
Heads?
Carb?
HP?

Dick Butler · 07-24-2012, 10:30 PM

The more obvious question should be "Why do you want to pick the wheels up higher" It will slow you down, maybe make you more inconsistent, possibly cause a dangerous turn of the car???? If you want to improve the 60 ft or et then other things should be considered first.

Jeff Lee · 07-24-2012, 11:45 PM

Why don't you just put a bunch of weight in the trunk?

Chris Hill · 07-25-2012, 12:14 AM

Just remember its the car accelerating that causes the wheel stand, not gearing.

07-24-2012, 12:55 PM	#1
68Coupe Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 83 Likes: 0 Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Question about going to a low 1st gear in a C4 I have a bracket car that runs 6.70's in the 1/8th with 1.43/1.44 60ft The car has ladder bars/coil overs and i run a 28x10.5 bias slick weighs 3100lbs with driver I am a huge fan of stock/super stock, especially the wheelstands. When my car leaves it picks the front tires up about 8" and carries them out @20ft. I would like it to pick them up even higher I was wondering if i put a low 1st gear in my C4 if it would make a big difference in how the car leaves. Also would it effect how the car runs.

07-24-2012, 02:48 PM	#2
Mike Pearson VIP Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 2,417 Likes: 597 Liked 1,880 Times in 562 Posts	Re: Question about going to a low 1st gear in a C4 its probably more the converter and the rear gear that will make the difference. Also how the engine is tuned. My powerglide has a 1.98 low gear and will get the wheels real high if I want it to. I am sure your C4 has a lower gear than that. The engine that I have in the car now actually likes a real tight shock setting and keep the front end down. Each combo will like something different. __________________ Mike Pearson 2485 SS

07-24-2012, 07:06 PM	#3
Mike Graham Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 405 Likes: 1 Liked 327 Times in 65 Posts	Re: Question about going to a low 1st gear in a C4 I agree with Mr Pearson. It is more the converter than the low gear set. The stock c-4 has a 2.43 low gear. I run a SS/GT mustang with far less than the stock ratio and my car will drag the bumper without the front end tied down and 50 lbs of ballast on the front.

07-24-2012, 07:19 PM	#4
68Coupe Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 83 Likes: 0 Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Question about going to a low 1st gear in a C4 so are you saying i need more converter?

07-24-2012, 08:21 PM	#5
Chris1529 VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: West Virginia Posts: 1,366 Likes: 6 Liked 70 Times in 29 Posts	Re: Question about going to a low 1st gear in a C4 Also, if you put in a lower first gear, it will definately affect your converter. You will find you won't be able to leave at the same RPM. It will not stall as high after you install a low gear. I would start with another converter too. What engine are you running now? __________________ Chris Bowman The Mountain State Mustang 1984 Mustang GT350

07-24-2012, 08:41 PM	#6
68Coupe Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 83 Likes: 0 Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Question about going to a low 1st gear in a C4 running a 393W

07-24-2012, 09:25 PM	#7
Mike Graham Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 405 Likes: 1 Liked 327 Times in 65 Posts	Re: Question about going to a low 1st gear in a C4 There are too many unknowns to make a blanket statement. Camshaft? Heads? Carb? HP?

07-24-2012, 10:30 PM	#8
Dick Butler VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Richmond Indiana Posts: 1,196 Likes: 5 Liked 32 Times in 19 Posts	Re: Question about going to a low 1st gear in a C4 The more obvious question should be "Why do you want to pick the wheels up higher" It will slow you down, maybe make you more inconsistent, possibly cause a dangerous turn of the car???? If you want to improve the 60 ft or et then other things should be considered first.

07-24-2012, 11:45 PM	#9
Jeff Lee VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Anthem, Arizona Posts: 2,766 Likes: 0 Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Question about going to a low 1st gear in a C4 Why don't you just put a bunch of weight in the trunk? __________________ Jeff Lee 7494 D/S '70 AMX

07-25-2012, 12:14 AM	#10
Chris Hill Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 654 Likes: 8 Liked 244 Times in 26 Posts	Re: Question about going to a low 1st gear in a C4 Just remember its the car accelerating that causes the wheel stand, not gearing. __________________ Chris Hill https://ihmusedparts.com