Cobra

I can not understand why the XR8 has a 3.23 final drive while the XR6T and FPV's have 3.46. Does anyone know why? To me I can't think of any logical reason why. I think that the XR's should have 3.46 and FPV's should have 3.73. HSV's have 3.73, maybe that's why they have such a tall overdrive on 6th gear for better economy on highway? If the XR8 had the same final drive as an XR6T it might atleast help give it a little more off the line.

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O.F.R #12
1999 AU XR8
14.594 @ 94.40mph
152.2RWKW (APS dyno)
Switchable Shift Kit, K&N panel filter, Lukey straight thru mufflers, momo gear and steer,
DBA slotted rotors/Bendix ultimate pads (front), Pioneer MP3 head unit and BA XR carpet mats.

Member of the Society Against Stupid SMS Language

XRFPV8

i was old in a other forum here xr8 auto's have 3.45's also

WBT56

3.23 was to make first gear bearable. If you run a manual HSV with a 3.73, You need to run a 2.93 diff in the XR8 to have as tall a first gear. The situation improves later in the box, but people don't buy XR8 to tow start trucks with.

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If you're not driving a manual you're really just steering.

Rodderz

Maybe saving the option or standard for BA 2 in all manual XR8's? Manuals currently in the utes come standard with the 3.23, no option of the 3.45 which is standard on the auto's.

Chuck in a Boss with VCT and the XR8 will have flatter power and torque curves all the way through the rev range.

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BAXR8 Ute 5M- 13.51@106.03
zorst, SS Cai,240rwkw

ArthurDitch

Maybe warp speed is achieved at lower revs, thus giving better fuel economy (@ 230 kph)

zetecr

Even with a 3.23, I find 1st too low (GT drivers: I would've thought 3.46 must be even worse - how is it?), and gap to 2nd too big. At the other end of the scale, 5th is waaaaay up there, only useful for highway cruising (but I guess that's what it's meant for, considering there is no sixth). Ford needs to look at a close-ratio six-speeder.
I think this just serves to highlight the brilliance of the BOSS, since the thing kicks arse even with imperfect ratios AND weight... unlike some other V8 ;p

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My List of Quintessential Performance Fords:
GT40 MkII (1966); Cosworth DFV V8 (1967); Boss 429 Mustang (1969); Escort BDA (1969); Falcon GTHO Phase III (1970); ..yawn.. (1971-1984); RS200 (1985); Sierra Cosworth RS500 (1987); Ford GT (2005)?

ArthurDitch

Ratio's are strange things the say the least. I believe they ae chosen for a certain section of the market that the car is aimed at. My HSV Grange came out with a 3.07 diff which meant it was silent @ 110kph/1500rpm. Also had no go without dropping to second, and wouldn't even go close to the limiter in top. Now it has a 3.73 diff and just launches like you wouldn't believe, will achieve the limiter in top gear and is probably NOT as quiet @ 110kph. I am sure HSV and most other Grange owners would cringe at the thought of someone "modifying" such a car BUT I bought it to DRIVE, not wave at the fans.
Ditch