Purchasing 3.54 R200?

[Duffman]

Saw this ad on ebay and considering upgrading to 5 speed and R200 differential. What are your thoughts on a fair price for this type diff?

Thanks!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=008&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=180065124376&rd=1,1

[bob m]

There is one on Craigs list in SF for $ 65. I think this is a very good price.

Bob M

[Duffman]

Thanks, Bob.

I know there are many different schools of thought as to what is considered the "preferred" differential; 3.54 vs 3.91 vs 4.11 (I believe). What are some general thoughts on what is best for general road driving, not racing.

Thanks!

[PrOxLaMuS©]

Turbo'd car = 3.7 or 3.54

Naturally Aspirated car (tripples or duals or FI) = 3.7 3.9 and 4.11 (hauls butt)

if you want low RPMS on the highway and cruising.. still with a 3.7

[beandip]

I am running 3.7s in my 240 and I like the gearing for street use. If I wanted my car for more hiway driving I think I would go with 3.54s . With a 5 speed the 3.7s will give you the best of both worlds . Forth gear will give you right at 3K at 60MPH

[nwcubsman]

Thanks, Bob.

I know there are many different schools of thought as to what is considered the "preferred" differential; 3.54 vs 3.91 vs 4.11 (I believe). What are some general thoughts on what is best for general road driving, not racing.

Thanks!

I think that the general road driving set up will be to stick with the factory set up. Not that you need the original running gear, but that the rear end should be matched to the tranny you are using. Nissan spent plenty of money putting together the possible combos. Good enough for me for all around use. Racing is a different story.

A couple of good sites to help.

http://zhome.com/ZCMnL/tech/GearRatios.html

http://www.geocities.com/z_design_studio/transmission.html

Good luck.

[Carl Beck]

Hi duffman:

I have a 72 240Z with L28, Triple Webers, 78 5spd. and 4.11 Posi rear end. I put the 5spd. with the 4.11 in when running an L24.... and at the time I was mostly driving it around town, auto crossing on the weekends every once-in-awhile. When I added the L28, it had so much more torque, that the 4.11 was actually too low a gear - IMHO a good L28 could easily pull the 3.9 or even the 3.7 in the light weight 240-Z for performance purposes.

I have another 72, that I've kept basically stock - I'm running an 83 5spd. with the stock 3.3 rear gear. I use it mostly for longer road trips to Z Car events and or other Car related events. For a road going Z, I don't think you can do much better. It gives you 70mph cruse with the lowest engine RPM and that relates to the best fuel economy, as well as the lowest noise cruise. I'm long past jackrabbit starts in town, so even though that tranny / rear-end combo relates to a fairly tall 1st gear - I find it easy to live with.

I think you'd like the 81-83 non turbo 5spd with the 3.54..... for the use you ask about.

FWIW,

Carl B.

[Duffman]

Thanks, all, for your thoughts, is appreciated!!