Just wondering if there is a particular ratio of diff that suits ours cars with turbo engines?
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Best diff ratio for turbo cars
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I don't think there is "a" turbo diff ratio. All depends on how fast you want to go.
And what horsepower your engine is putting out and your max rpm. Taking into account that many turbo'ed engines make max bhp at lower rpm's than before I do not know any diff off the shelf with a suitable long ratio. Maybe Anders can chime in.
Goodbye M3, you served me well.
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One has to consider the overall gearing, which takes the transmission into account.
For U.S. cars, I elected to drop from the 4.1 to a 3.7 ratio. The lower numerical gearing (10%) loads the engine earlier and spools the turbo faster in the lower gears. Also, the much increased torque of the turbo engine works much better with somewhat taller gears, as the lower gears can be rendered useless due to traction issues. And finally, the taller gearing is better for engine longevity and fuel economy.
For the Euro cars, what is the factory ratio? 3.45? I would look at dropping down at least one step, maybe two. One issue with the Euro cars is the close ratio box is weaker than the U.S. box, so that can create an issue if there is enough torque on hand.
Also, I should mention that lower numerical ratios in the diff are physically stronger, which is a good thing.2003 Mitsu EVO VIII - 2.0L / 600+whp
1988 BMW M3 turbo - Work in progress. . .
1986 SVO Mustang - Work in progress. . .
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If that is the case, the 3.15 ratio would be preferable where the close ratio box is used. However, the stronger U.S. gearbox (and higher numerical diff) is a better option for turbo cars.2003 Mitsu EVO VIII - 2.0L / 600+whp
1988 BMW M3 turbo - Work in progress. . .
1986 SVO Mustang - Work in progress. . .
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Just keep in mind that 4.10 to 3.91 is only about 5%, which is a minimal difference and may not be worth the effort. I located and rebuilt a diff from a 325 with a 3.7 ratio, which gives about an 11% difference, and I'm thinking that I could have gone even a step lower.2003 Mitsu EVO VIII - 2.0L / 600+whp
1988 BMW M3 turbo - Work in progress. . .
1986 SVO Mustang - Work in progress. . .
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I have a 3.73 in my 535 turbo and its still too short geared 1/2 are pretty much useless... 3/4/5 go like hell though.
I think a 3.46 would be better or even a 3.25 for higher HP cars.
In the E36M3 turbos highHP guys go from a 3.15/3.23(depending on year) to a 2.79 or a 2.97 they freaking haul balls with the longer gearing...Gary Gray
88 M3 Alpine white Track/race car (maybe a turbo in future)
89 M3 ZinnerBot (restoration project)
91 VW GTI 2.0 16V
01 325it Daily Driver/part time track car, not stock
If you can take it apart...you can make it faster...
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2.79 eta cars
3.25 E28 535s
3.46 E24 635
3.73 E30 325
3.91 E28 M5/Auto E30
4.10 M3/Auto E30
I think thats it. These are US spec cars. Bolt in as in swap output and driveshaft flanges and diff bolts right in...Last edited by GGray; 10-23-2009, 11:40 AM.Gary Gray
88 M3 Alpine white Track/race car (maybe a turbo in future)
89 M3 ZinnerBot (restoration project)
91 VW GTI 2.0 16V
01 325it Daily Driver/part time track car, not stock
If you can take it apart...you can make it faster...
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