GM Drivetrain & Suspension Chassis | Transmission| Driveshaft | Gears/Rear End/Differential | Traction Aids

4.56 vs 4.10 gears for MPG

Old Apr 19, 2010 | 05:22 PM
  #1  
xsports33's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Regular
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 400
Likes: 0
From: Maui
Default 4.56 vs 4.10 gears for MPG

I already have 4.56 gears and i'm debating on installing some 4.10s to get better MPG. With the Radix i have plenty of power so i'm not too concerned with loosing power off the line.

I'll be driving across the country, from San Diego to Chicago, about 6 times in the next year slowly moving into a new house. At least 2 of those times i'll be towing a boat or a trailer. Also, i average about 70% highway driving normally.

How much of an MPG increase do you think i'll gain going with the taller gears? You think its worth it?
Reply
Old Apr 20, 2010 | 09:51 AM
  #2  
TXsilverado's Avatar
Moderator
20 Year Member
Loved
Liked
Community Favorite
iTrader: (19)
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,367
Likes: 296
From: Humble Texas
Default

with 35" tires i would keep the 4.56.
Reply
Old Apr 20, 2010 | 10:05 AM
  #3  
Z'06's Avatar
On The Tree
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Default

Originally Posted by TXsilverado
with 35" tires i would keep the 4.56.
I agree, especially since you have to do 2 axles being 4WD. You would pick up a bit of highway MPG, at the expense of lowering your city mileage, plus your lower ratio (4.56) is going to put less wear and tear on your transmission and engine. Just leave it alone.

You might consider upgrading your air intake to either an AEM Brute Force or a K&N to pick up a little more HP/torque/potential MPG. Black Bear tested a bunch of air intakes awhile back, and those two came out on top of everyone else in terms of airflow/HP/torque, with the AEM having a slight edge over the K&N.
Reply
Old Apr 20, 2010 | 10:47 AM
  #4  
TXsilverado's Avatar
Moderator
20 Year Member
Loved
Liked
Community Favorite
iTrader: (19)
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,367
Likes: 296
From: Humble Texas
Default

Originally Posted by Z'06
Black Bear tested a bunch of air intakes awhile back, and those two came out on top of everyone else in terms of airflow/HP/torque, with the AEM having a slight edge over the K&N.
where is that thread?
Reply
Old Apr 20, 2010 | 03:26 PM
  #5  
Z'06's Avatar
On The Tree
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Default

Originally Posted by TXsilverado
where is that thread?
I've seen it around a few different forums. Here is one.
Reply
Old Apr 20, 2010 | 06:07 PM
  #6  
xsports33's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Regular
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 400
Likes: 0
From: Maui
Default

Originally Posted by Z'06
I agree, especially since you have to do 2 axles being 4WD. You would pick up a bit of highway MPG, at the expense of lowering your city mileage, plus your lower ratio (4.56) is going to put less wear and tear on your transmission and engine. Just leave it alone.

You might consider upgrading your air intake to either an AEM Brute Force or a K&N to pick up a little more HP/torque/potential MPG. Black Bear tested a bunch of air intakes awhile back, and those two came out on top of everyone else in terms of airflow/HP/torque, with the AEM having a slight edge over the K&N.
i don't think a different CAI is going to make that much of a difference over my Volant. Probably if i still had the stock airbox. Thanks though
Reply
Old Apr 20, 2010 | 06:59 PM
  #7  
Z'06's Avatar
On The Tree
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Default

Originally Posted by xsports33
i don't think a different CAI is going to make that much of a difference over my Volant. Probably if i still had the stock airbox. Thanks though
Probably not, LOL. Just hate to see anyone make the investment to move one whole step (or less, like a 4.30 ratio) during a gear swap. Usually makes more sense to move two whole steps (like to 3.73, but that would really kill your city mileage and off-the-line power, in addition to putting added strain on your engine and tranny).
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Raggedz71
TOWING & OFFROAD PERFORMANCE
3
Jul 29, 2016 10:20 AM
silverstreak07
Trucks and SUV Classifieds
6
Jun 28, 2016 06:29 PM
Noah Burns
GMT K2xx Trucks General Discussion
12
Oct 5, 2015 06:46 AM
livefast1
Trucks and SUV Classifieds
4
Sep 25, 2015 07:31 PM
So.cal Wrk Sled
Trucks and SUV Classifieds
2
Jul 26, 2015 12:10 AM


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:52 AM.