Originally Posted by +fireamx
It seems that nearly everybody who owns a 6 spd, eventually complains about its "short" 1st. gear at one point or another. And while being little abbreviated, it seems that we're not the only ones out there whose manual trannys spool up fairly quickly in that same cog.
Listed below is a random group of 10 other manual transmissioned cars that are within 5 mph of the Crossfire when taken to "redline" in 1st. gear.
R.P.M._______M.P.H.___________Vehicle
6000__________31__________04 Crossfire
6400__________31__________05 Mercedes SLK 350
6750__________31__________06 Miata
6000__________33__________09 Mazda Speed 3
6600__________34__________03 Audi TT
6800__________35__________06 Solstice
6700__________35__________08 Subaru WRX STI
6500__________35__________07 Audi TT 3.2 Quattro
6300__________36__________09 Cobalt SS
8300__________36__________06 Honda Civic SI
6500__________36__________03 BMW Z4
Even though nearly all the other cars have "redlines" that are 100's of rpm's higher, theyre not that much faster. So maybe things aren't quite as bad as they seem.
But if any of you out there still feel the need for speed in that lowest of gears, then why not offer some SRT driver your 3.27 differential in trade for their 3.08? You will probably pull an extra 5+ mph in first gear?
Given that 10 other cars have essentially the same 1st gear window, it would suggest that the engineers have all agreed on the same "sweet spot."
Putting taller gears in the rear would make launches harder, not easier, and put more wear on the clutch. My '75 Starfire had very tall gears and hot launches ruined the clutch in 10K miles.
Simplier would be to raise the redline in the engine to 6800 or even 7000. That gets you to 36 MPH or a 12% gain in all the gears. The engine can take it no problem. Shops like LET or TVT could do it on a laptop and your hands stay clean.
roadster with a stick.