what's the 3.64:1 mod worth to you?

[ZMates]

So it's going to cost me $2500 to do the swap. Question for those who have done the swap: would you do it again if it cost you $2500?

[thegunguy]

The gears are, without a doubt, the biggest performance payoff per dollar.

[macfly]

I actually didn't do it when I fitted the Quaife because I like the overall gearing, but then when I drove Z8Docs car at Thunderhill after doing thirty or so laps in mine I was toally blown away, it is an absolutely fantistic mod, and I'm very sad I didn't do it!

[Norcal]

Yes, but 1st gets really, really short. Need a close ratio box.

[Z8Mania]

I wrote no. There is no doubt it gives the car more kick. Theres more power multiplication. Thats always nice. But what are the downsides?

1- yes, first is too short now
2- the extra power exposes some chunkiness in the driveline

For most driving I start out in 2nd gear.

Overall, I think the 3.64 and LSD, while both are nice to have, do come with downsides and, frankly, don't really enhance the driving of the Z8 for me. But I did it and Im not dying to reverse it.

[ron's rocket]

I still have the Quaife sitting in a box in the garage. Maybe someday I'll get around to doing the swap..

[JoshB]

Best bang for the buck in my estimation. True first gear is a bit too low but 5th and 6th become much more usable. and the punch in 2nd and 3rd really is noticable. Joshb

[thegunguy]

Same. 1st is the least used gear anyway. So, I don't really notice it. However, on the twisties, 2nd to 4th are quite nice. Plus, if you have exhaust, the shorter ratio makes for more aural fun :D

[thegunguy]

chunkiness

"Do these gears make my butt look big?" :rotflmao:

[Z8Mania]

Dear Zed 8, your butt can never look big. :)

[Z8Mania]

IMHO the two best mods for the Z8 are changing the terrible run flat tires for regular tires (MPS2 preferably) and removing the clutch delay valve.

[Norcal]

...and sway bars, and Exhaust : )

[Z8Mania]

hehehe hehehehhe :)

[ZMates]

I installed the diff with 3.64 gears this weekend and took it out for a brief spin today. First impression is favorable. Sure wish it wasn't 4 months since the last time I drove, though. The before and after comparison is a little foggy.

update: after further review...very nice indeed.

[Z8Mania]

Congratulations on getting it done.

[macfly]

Ditto, sways and exhaust, but 3.64 is right up there with WOW!

[Palaestra]

With the LSD, this is the best mod possible for the Z8 IMO. Turns the car into what it should have been. The feel of driving the car changes completely. It "feels" like a rocket. I have had no problems at all and have noticed no downsides. First gear is just fine, especially if you do city driving in traffic.

BTW - what is the "Z8 novice" moniker stuck to my post? I've owned my car since new in 2001.

[Z8Mania]

Its just based on your post count.

[Norcal]

BTW - what is the "Z8 novice" moniker stuck to my post? I've owned my car since new in 2001.

Ha! At least it doesn't say "Dog ate my homework".... WTF does that mean? :) It may describe me but...

[macfly]

Though its a bit of a non-sequeter in a final drive ratio spread, here's the user label thingy from the software. We can change it read whatever we want, happy to take suggestions and since our post counts are ticking up we may want to create some new levels too!

[Z8Mania]

Ive come to the conclusion that all the mods are useful and I wouldn't want to part with any of them. I find the LSD by itself to be the least useful for me because I don't really make use of the LSD function that often- but when I do, its nice to have it :) So for anyone reading, Im not sure what order Id advise you to do the mods but they are all worth while. What Im describing:

* Performance Package (this is a MUST)
* Quaife (or other) LSD / 3.64 final drive ratio
* CDV removal
* Eisenmann Race exhaust (other exhausts are preferred by others)
* Alpina European suspension conversion with Alpina 20" wheels/ MPS2 tires
* Dinan adjustable sway bars set to stiffest
* Dinan caster/ camber plates

[Norcal]

"20" Alpina size wheels" as the aesthetic is up to the owner?

[Z8Mania]

Oh yeah, of course, thats just my list. Variety is the spice of life. :)

[Norcal]

Yup, I think you got it all. Perhaps you should consider the UUC short-shift too... it is nice. Someday I may also do a lightened flywheel.

[Z8Mania]

Ive thought of that but Im happy with the car as is. Maybe some day.