Type 9 long first gear

[Jydnz]

Hi,

After some advice. I'm currently have a mk2 escort 1660 crossflow, 234 cam with sidedrafts 40's, type 9 with Standard 2.0 ratios. Currently 3.54 English diff. I'm looking at a longer first gear either 2.98 or 2.74. however my question is; would the 2.74 be to "tall" for the current set up?

Prefer to to stay with the 3.54 for overall cruising here in New Zealand, but do have a 3.77 diff also.

thanks

[Zakspak]

Hi, I’m no expert, but the advice I was given was the 2.98 with the 3.54 diff for all round performance.
However, and I’m sure someone will jump in and tell me I’m talking rubbish if that’s the case. Could you not use the 2.74 for getting away without affecting cruise, providing your engine is suitable regards power/rev range ?
Additionally Retro Ford have now started producing a 3.3:1 crown and pinion which apparently is the “missing link “ regarding the perfect drive train set up for the 5 speed conversion with a 2.98 1st gear.

[onecamohv]

what do you mean by 'too tall' ? too hard to get away in traffic or...?

i ran a 2.98 with a 4.1 for a long time, and id nearly consider it still to short. id have no issues whatsoever running it with a 3.54 it will be absolutely perfect. if you wanted it longer id probably guess the the 2.74 would be ok too maybe a little 'boggy' depending on how well the engine is set up.
at the moment im running a 2.04 1st with a 4.1, its a a little difficult in traffic but livable