Steve_Lawrence
Senior Member
Offline
Drew,
If I remember correctly, the 5-speed gives you a bit lower 1st, and something like a .8 OD. If you could get behind the wheel of a stock 1275 spridget, you would have a good benchmark.
You can be confident that your 1275 stock with the 5-speed will be significantly better than that on both bottom end and top end. If you swap in the 3.90, you will be just a bit better on bottom end and WAY better on top-end. I never worry about bottom-end grunt with mine, so I think you will be happy. In addition to the engine and gearing comparison, you car will be a bit lighter than the 1275 car.
If you are still nervous, you can stab the 1275 in stock, run it up the hill a few times, smile till your teeth are coated in bugs, and then pull it back out for the upgrades. I hear that these engines go in and out pretty easily, if you have a helper. (Sorry Jenny!)
If I remember correctly, the 5-speed gives you a bit lower 1st, and something like a .8 OD. If you could get behind the wheel of a stock 1275 spridget, you would have a good benchmark.
You can be confident that your 1275 stock with the 5-speed will be significantly better than that on both bottom end and top end. If you swap in the 3.90, you will be just a bit better on bottom end and WAY better on top-end. I never worry about bottom-end grunt with mine, so I think you will be happy. In addition to the engine and gearing comparison, you car will be a bit lighter than the 1275 car.
If you are still nervous, you can stab the 1275 in stock, run it up the hill a few times, smile till your teeth are coated in bugs, and then pull it back out for the upgrades. I hear that these engines go in and out pretty easily, if you have a helper. (Sorry Jenny!)