460 c6 37's. what gears?

BIG GUY · 12-05-2012, 10:38 AM

This is my first post since getting my 79 xlt ranger. It has the 351m c6 in it now with 3:50 gears. Its gonna get street driven a lot with occasional trips offroad and to the woods for camping/hunting. Maybe a 500 mile weekend trip here and there. I'm working on my 460 build right now and I'm building the motor to hit 500ftlbs torque below 2000 rpm. The c6 is notorious for sucking fuel but I'm keeping it anyway with a stock converter. My thinking is that with a torquey 460, stock converter with stock gears my RPM's will be lower and I can get better milage( I'm not hoping for much I know it's a 460)

my question is will the 3:50's get me better fuel milage wih a motor that has 500ftlbs of torque below 2000 RPM's. I'm thinking like a diesel guy!

Thanks.

**wdford** · 12-05-2012, 01:34 PM

With that much torque keeping the revs down will aid in fuel economy. But honestly if you're runing a 460 fuel mileage should not be a concern. I'd shoot for about 1500 to 1650 steady state cruise...

BIG GUY · 12-05-2012, 01:44 PM

I agree about the mileage and a 460. I'm sure someone has ran the is combo. Just wanting to hear some feedback. Maybe the engine would live longer too?

Robs79BBbronco · 12-05-2012, 03:05 PM

the 3.50's will be great on the hwy, but stop & go traffic or pulling a load will probably remind you of the 351m again.500 ft/lbs.?

sounds good already....how about some engine details?

BIG GUY · 12-05-2012, 04:19 PM

The engine is on the garage floor right now. Lol. I've been following some builds on the 460 forum and a 545 stroker is just the ticket for gobs of torque down low. I figured with this much torque I could get away with higher gears. For offroad I'm looking at the 205 doubler. I've built a few jeeps but a 79 bronco has always turned me on and now I own one!

**badass1tonf100** · 12-05-2012, 06:48 PM

4:10's or 4:56's would give you best all around performance DD, offroad, and hauling

96XLTJD · 12-05-2012, 10:22 PM

4:10's

**mickaila** · 12-05-2012, 10:25 PM

you said 37s right? --> 4.56

**BigBud** · 12-05-2012, 10:35 PM

I have 3.55 in mine and a stock c6 converter. It's pretty darn nice. Don't need an overdrive to get decent mileage and the 460 has plenty of torque to take off even with a moderate load. I've pulled a trailer through soft fields in high range just fine. 4lo is still fast enough for the sand too.

Black_mamba · 12-05-2012, 10:42 PM

Roomate has a 429 in his ranger with 4.11's and 38's and is changing to 3.55's. On the highway he's at 3,000 rpm with the 4.11s

**CBboots** · 12-06-2012, 09:04 AM

JBG's hard-copy parts book has a gear ratio chart, showing rpms and tires. I just checked and they don't have it online, just hardcopy. The chart shows what gears to run for the optimum rpm range for the best fuel economy.

I'm got 35s...460...C6...Holley Truck Avenger....running 4.56.
I get 5 mpg.

BIG GUY · 12-06-2012, 03:29 PM

I know the gear charts are accurate for getting back to stock RPM's and such. But this is not gonna be a stock engine. For crawling work ill be running a 205 doubler.

What RPM's would I be at with 3:50's 37's and 60mph? Like I said, I'm building the engine to have peak torque very very low.

**huggyb1972** · 12-06-2012, 04:36 PM

I'm running 4.10's and 37's with a stock 351w and the cruising RPMs are a little better than with 35's but not by much I can give a solid number but I'm thinking right a round 2500 @ 65. I've got good enough power but I don't need to go fast anyway and it will pull a 5% grade with the cruise on loaded at 70MPH and still walk off and a leave land rover.

**AbandonedBronco** · 12-06-2012, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIG GUY

I know the gear charts are accurate for getting back to stock RPM's and such. But this is not gonna be a stock engine. For crawling work ill be running a 205 doubler.

What RPM's would I be at with 3:50's 37's and 60mph? Like I said, I'm building the engine to have peak torque very very low.

RPM = (Speed * Transmission Gear Ratio * Final Drive * 336) / Tire Diameter

Roughly 1900 RPMs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Black_mamba

Roomate has a 429 in his ranger with 4.11's and 38's and is changing to 3.55's. On the highway he's at 3,000 rpm with the 4.11s

How fast is he going? If that's accurate, you'd need to do 80+ to get those RPMs with those tires and gears.

Robs79BBbronco · 12-06-2012, 05:01 PM

i would still switch to 4.10's regardless.

BIG GUY · 12-06-2012, 05:44 PM

Thanks for the input. 1900 RPM's sounds great! That's will help with planning the rest of my engine build. Not that I'm drag racing but some of the drag guys that go from a standard 460 up to a stroker will put in higher gears and have a better et's. Apparently with massive amounts of torque down low higher gears can net better acceleration. I've been doing my homework on this and was looking to see If its been done for a driver.

**BRONCONUT** · 12-06-2012, 06:51 PM

I would go with the 4.56 just for the simple fact that you have a 460 and if your like me you want to have that response off the line.

BigWheelz · 12-06-2012, 07:31 PM

I have a 460, C6, 3.50 gears,& 35's. The truck runs great. The 460 has no problem spinning both 35's from a stop....

f150inline · 12-06-2012, 09:40 PM

i would go 4.56.

ProBronco · 12-06-2012, 11:05 PM

Dumb post, really ??? High torque engine and U nwant 4.56-4.11.

3.73 would be max CAUSE a 460 is a low rpm engine high torque.

What are U gonna do in 4 low spin to 6000K !! Good luck with that !!

The DUDE Master 460

12-05-2012, 10:38 AM	#1
BIG GUY Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 12 iTrader: (0)	460 c6 37's. what gears? This is my first post since getting my 79 xlt ranger. It has the 351m c6 in it now with 3:50 gears. Its gonna get street driven a lot with occasional trips offroad and to the woods for camping/hunting. Maybe a 500 mile weekend trip here and there. I'm working on my 460 build right now and I'm building the motor to hit 500ftlbs torque below 2000 rpm. The c6 is notorious for sucking fuel but I'm keeping it anyway with a stock converter. My thinking is that with a torquey 460, stock converter with stock gears my RPM's will be lower and I can get better milage( I'm not hoping for much I know it's a 460) my question is will the 3:50's get me better fuel milage wih a motor that has 500ftlbs of torque below 2000 RPM's. I'm thinking like a diesel guy! Thanks.

12-05-2012, 01:34 PM	#2
wdford Fullsize Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Rancho Cordova, CA Posts: 152 iTrader: (0) Bronco Info: 1995 EB 351W, E40D	With that much torque keeping the revs down will aid in fuel economy. But honestly if you're runing a 460 fuel mileage should not be a concern. I'd shoot for about 1500 to 1650 steady state cruise... __________________

12-05-2012, 01:44 PM	#3
BIG GUY Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 12 iTrader: (0)	I agree about the mileage and a 460. I'm sure someone has ran the is combo. Just wanting to hear some feedback. Maybe the engine would live longer too? Last edited by BIG GUY; 12-05-2012 at 01:46 PM. Reason: Posted accidentally befor I was done.

12-05-2012, 03:05 PM	#4
Robs79BBbronco Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Walker, LA Posts: 3,684 iTrader: (0) Bronco Info: 79 Ranger XLT-460,NP435,NP205,stock axles/3.50's,2.5"RC lift,33"trxxs mt's,72 impala horn(best mod)	the 3.50's will be great on the hwy, but stop & go traffic or pulling a load will probably remind you of the 351m again.500 ft/lbs.?sounds good already....how about some engine details? __________________ http://www.supermotors.net/20332

12-05-2012, 06:48 PM	#6
badass1tonf100 Hit it n' Git it Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Florida Posts: 10,938 iTrader: (83) Bronco Info: 4 wheels, 1tons, 3 sticks, sheet metal & some tubing.	4:10's or 4:56's would give you best all around performance DD, offroad, and hauling __________________

12-05-2012, 04:19 PM	#5
BIG GUY Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 12 iTrader: (0)	The engine is on the garage floor right now. Lol. I've been following some builds on the 460 forum and a 545 stroker is just the ticket for gobs of torque down low. I figured with this much torque I could get away with higher gears. For offroad I'm looking at the 205 doubler. I've built a few jeeps but a 79 bronco has always turned me on and now I own one!

12-05-2012, 10:22 PM	#7
96XLTJD Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 229 iTrader: (1)	4:10's __________________ 1996 XLT, currently leveled, getting a bigger lift soon. 5.8L E40D, push button 4x4, auto hubs, custom front bumper.

12-05-2012, 10:35 PM	#9
BigBud You thought what...... Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Southeast WA Posts: 224 iTrader: (0) Bronco Info: Sold the 79 waiting for a next to free 80s to snatch	I have 3.55 in mine and a stock c6 converter. It's pretty darn nice. Don't need an overdrive to get decent mileage and the 460 has plenty of torque to take off even with a moderate load. I've pulled a trailer through soft fields in high range just fine. 4lo is still fast enough for the sand too. __________________ 79 Bronco 6" lift, mild 460, and 3/4 tons----Sold 94 F150 4x4 302 zf5spd swap----run about 97 F350 Crew Cab 4x4 4" lift---work beast Old guys,......they're tricky.

12-05-2012, 10:42 PM	#10
Black_mamba Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: port coquitlam B.C. Posts: 15 iTrader: (0) Bronco Info: 1979 ranger xlt 400 cid with holley street avenger. 35 inch thornbirds	Roomate has a 429 in his ranger with 4.11's and 38's and is changing to 3.55's. On the highway he's at 3,000 rpm with the 4.11s

12-06-2012, 09:04 AM	#11
CBboots FSM Lifetime Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Northern VA Posts: 1,315 iTrader: (0) Bronco Info: 79 Custom, 460, C6	JBG's hard-copy parts book has a gear ratio chart, showing rpms and tires. I just checked and they don't have it online, just hardcopy. The chart shows what gears to run for the optimum rpm range for the best fuel economy. I'm got 35s...460...C6...Holley Truck Avenger....running 4.56. I get 5 mpg. __________________ My 79 build http://www.fullsizebronco.com/forum/...d.php?t=207864 - Aluminum 3-core radiator, Mallory 85 HEI conversion distributor, High Angle Driveline One Tons front and rear, JBFAB Twin stick shifter kit, True trac differentials front and rear, Yukon 4.56 gears front and rear, Moser Extreme 31 spline rear axles, Borgeson adjustable steering shaft and rag joint, 95 amp 3G alternator, Fireguy/RJM Tech upgraded headlight harness, and a ton of other crap! Last edited by CBboots; 12-06-2012 at 09:06 AM.

12-06-2012, 03:29 PM	#12
BIG GUY Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 12 iTrader: (0)	I know the gear charts are accurate for getting back to stock RPM's and such. But this is not gonna be a stock engine. For crawling work ill be running a 205 doubler. What RPM's would I be at with 3:50's 37's and 60mph? Like I said, I'm building the engine to have peak torque very very low.

12-06-2012, 04:36 PM	#13
huggyb1972 Dirty Minded Join Date: May 2009 Location: The Middle Posts: 5,096 iTrader: (0) Bronco Info: 89' Bronco 5.8l Variable Speed V8, Forward, Rev, Turns left, right, stops, and everything.	I'm running 4.10's and 37's with a stock 351w and the cruising RPMs are a little better than with 35's but not by much I can give a solid number but I'm thinking right a round 2500 @ 65. I've got good enough power but I don't need to go fast anyway and it will pull a 5% grade with the cruise on loaded at 70MPH and still walk off and a leave land rover. __________________ DRAFTHORSE 351W, C-6, 10.25/D44 FOTM DEC. 2011 "Quando Omni Flunkus, Moritati," When all else fails roll over and play dead. I'm as Free as Federal, state, and local laws/ordinances allow.

12-06-2012, 05:01 PM	#15
Robs79BBbronco Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Walker, LA Posts: 3,684 iTrader: (0) Bronco Info: 79 Ranger XLT-460,NP435,NP205,stock axles/3.50's,2.5"RC lift,33"trxxs mt's,72 impala horn(best mod)	i would still switch to 4.10's regardless. __________________ http://www.supermotors.net/20332

12-06-2012, 05:44 PM	#16
BIG GUY Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 12 iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the input. 1900 RPM's sounds great! That's will help with planning the rest of my engine build. Not that I'm drag racing but some of the drag guys that go from a standard 460 up to a stroker will put in higher gears and have a better et's. Apparently with massive amounts of torque down low higher gears can net better acceleration. I've been doing my homework on this and was looking to see If its been done for a driver.

12-06-2012, 06:51 PM	#17
BRONCONUT Local # 40 Boilermakers Join Date: May 2007 Location: Hartford,KY Posts: 11,240 iTrader: (20) Bronco Info: 5.8 w/ MSD, optima, K&N, OBA, 8 lugs, Detroit w/ 4.88's, 4 wheel disc brakes & Kick ass camo,	I would go with the 4.56 just for the simple fact that you have a 460 and if your like me you want to have that response off the line. __________________ My Supermotors Rust Repair Bumper Build SAS

12-06-2012, 07:31 PM	#18
BigWheelz Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bedford, TX Posts: 1,492 iTrader: (0) Bronco Info: 1978 Bronco, 466 EFI	I have a 460, C6, 3.50 gears,& 35's. The truck runs great. The 460 has no problem spinning both 35's from a stop.... __________________ Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work- Thomas A Edison

12-06-2012, 09:40 PM	#19
f150inline Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Wayne PA Posts: 495 iTrader: (0) Bronco Info: f150	i would go 4.56. __________________ 96 f150 straight 6, d44 SAS, 4.56s, Aussie lockers, 35 inch mtrs. My build thread http://www.fullsizebronco.com/forum/...d.php?t=213623

12-06-2012, 11:05 PM	#20
ProBronco Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Montana Posts: 1,338 iTrader: (1) Bronco Info: 80 Bronco XLT 302 4sp, 4"lift on 35" Factory LS F&R	Dumb post, really ??? High torque engine and U nwant 4.56-4.11. 3.73 would be max CAUSE a 460 is a low rpm engine high torque. What are U gonna do in 4 low spin to 6000K !! Good luck with that !! The DUDE Master 460

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