VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Mechanical - Engine, Trans, etc 1950 Gear Ratio Options

For a 1950 car differential, will gear ratios other than 4.11 and 3.55 fit? Can a 3.36 be installed?

NO,,,,,,,,,,,,

You get most of the engine speed reduction using the 3.55 compared to the 4.11.

The gain between a 3.55 and a 3.36 is only about another 5%.

Based on the 1950 Chevy Specs the engine speed at 60 mph with a 4.11 is 3120 rpm.

That drops to 2700 rpm with a 3.55 rear axle. If you could fit a 3.36 into the 1950 housing the engine speed would be 2550 rpm.

Plus you will definitely notice the decrease in acceleration and performance going up hills with the smaller ratios.

More informaation liike what kind of engine you have, tire size and type of car would be necessary.

I assumed a stock drivetrain and 6.70-15 tires.

Looking at his profile I assume it is a 1937 Master or M.D.

Going back to my 1939. For the last 50 years I attended many meets and in the later years 6 Cylinder tours. This meant a lot of trips on the interstates. My '39 was a Master Deluxe so it had a 4.22 rear end, With the engine being in good condition 60 MPH was a comfortabe crusing speed . In 2001 I changed to the 3.73 ratio which was standard for the 1937-1948 Master cars. Engine speed was reduce about 10% which made all the difference in the world. 65 t0 70 became the norm + bettergas mileage. Power on hills, especialy on hills with 4 passengers in the car suffered and I could not keep up with the 80MPH moderrn cars on the interstates but I believe my spped was the maximum safe speed for a 60 year old car consideing the suspension and brakes are concerned.
If yur present car is a Master with the 3.73 gears you will find that installing the smaller Master Deluxe fan blade will reduce egine noise at higher speeds makining highway speeds more relaxing.