1.26 vs 1.22 Third gear in short box

[flattop414]

I'm in the process of putting together a spare short box, and have a 1.26 Third gear. Will I notice a big difference in running that ratio over a 1.22 ? With a .089 fourth . Thanks in advance for the advice !
Andrew

[Steve Davis]

Andrew,
You won't notice a big difference from the cockpit. If you have a data system and know how to use it, you MIGHT notice a difference on some tracks. The main difference between the 2 is the drop in RPM when you shift from 3rd to 4th. At SOME (few) tracks that will make a difference (like Road America - preferring 1.22 and HPT preferring 1.26). For the MOST part, unless you are running for the win in a competitive field, it won't matter. Since this is a 'spare', I'd recommend that you put in whatever it is that you DON'T have in the other box. Then, you have both options if you NEED them, but most of the time it won't matter at all and you can leave in whatever is already in the car.

YMMV,
Steve, FV80

[flattop414]

Thanks Steve! I’m thinking it might be a better choice at my home track , which has a few slower corners.

[Daryl DeArman]

If you have the 1.26 use it. The difference in negligible almost all the time, and you'll have better 3rd gear acceleration.

[Bob Neumeister]

If you have the 1.26 use it. The difference in negligible almost all the time, and you'll have better 3rd gear acceleration.

What is your home track and what kind of FV do you have ?

[Daryl DeArman]

What is your home track and what kind of FV do you have ?

Don't have one any longer. Raced my FV at Willow Springs, Buttonwillow, Las Vegas, Pahrump, Cal Speedway. Had poles and multiple wins at every track but Cal Speedway.

There's a 3% difference in splits (advantage 1.22) and a 3% difference in 3rd gear acceleration (advantage 1.26).

The more time you spend in the 3rd gear at your track the better the 1.26.
The more times you have to shift from 3/4 at your track the better the 1.22.
The more time you spend in 4th gear at your track the less difference you'll notice whichever gear you have.

Given the time you've spent in FV, I am assuming you knew all that.

[problemchild]

Given the time you've spent in FV, I am assuming you knew all that.

One would assume he was asking Andrew that question, although attached to your quote.
Good question, as was the info you provided.

I remember when tires were so tall, max RPM was lower, and the step to 4th was so big ..... having anything but a 1.22 was wrong.
Like some other FV components, the difference to single car pace was minimal, but if you are in a pack with everyone else running the different component, you could be in trouble .... or have the hot ticket. I won a few Watkins Glen races with a longbox after everybody else switched to running a shortbox.

[Bob Neumeister]

my question was for Andrew - hit wrong button
If his home track is what I think it is, I have something he needs (depending on car type)

[flattop414]

Thanks everyone, gears and shafts are going in tomorrow to get crack checked before it gets reassembled. With the 1.22 . Car is a mysterian copy , running at mission as a home track , but concentrating more on Seattle, Portland and the Ridge . Hoping my SCCA membership is more than an expensive magazine subscription in ‘21 , and the borders are open .