Asure what would you think about 4.44?

 

4.44 will be quieter and closer to 4.64. So more than a 4.57, but less than a 4.77. I think a 4.3 gearset maybe more tolerable for an '04, but that is just my opinion.

 

Asure, thanks for all the info. I am just trying to learn. I take it by 4.3 you mean stock is the best setup for the 04 and should leave it that way. I like the gearing in my 04 just fine I just don't like the getting out of vtec when shifting from 1st to 2nd sometimes. I know it would be cheaper and easier to change the vtec engagement but thats not want I want to do. Let me know what you think and thanks again.

 

Actually what I mean is the '04 comes factory with a 2ndary gear reduction in the transmission that effectively gives you a final drive ration close to a 4.3. You are talking about changing the ring and pinion which will have an additive effect on the final gear ratio by making a change from differential. So basically, since you already have some mechanical advantage, you can make a less aggressive R&P change to get the same performance advantage that a 00-03 car would with a more aggressive gear change.

So you can purchase a 4.3 R&P in addition to your stock set up and end up with close to a 4.44-4.57 final ratio.

Dropping the vtec engagement is nice, though adding mechanical advantage is also beneficial. I would look into both as vtec on the '04's is a bit short in my opinion.

 

The ratios would of course be similar but it's not the same....the problem is te MY04 is missing those extra 800rpms at the top so you shift much sooner. Maybe it's just me but it would feel like I was shifting al the time.

 

Hmm..here is a question guys, right now(picking up the car this week) Im getting 4.57 installed on my00, the only diffrence is that Im also installing whole 04 differencial, from what I understand the gearing in my04 is closer than 00-03, so would that mean that Im kinda getting 4.77(like Asura said)?

 

...and therefore my recommendation of a 4.3. I think raising the redline 400-500rpm would also be advantageous. From what I have seen, the 04's are geared well for the 8K redline.

 

No the reduction occurs in the MY04 tranmission not the MY04 differential. the MY04 still has a 4.10 final drive you will notice no difference other than the MY04 being somewhat stronger differential.