Correct ring and pinion gear ratio for Bugeye?

[ichthos]

I occasionally see ring and pinion gear for sale on Ebay. How do you know the correct ratio or type of ring or pinion gears that are applicable to a Bugeye? Are they the same for all years? Thanks for your help.
Kevin

 

[Gundy]

I "think" the Bugeyes were 4.22
As far as applicable ratios the 3.9 and the 3.7
from later sprite/midgets are out there too and
are a simple swap.
There are other custom gears available.

 

[drooartz]

4.22 was used for quite a while, through somewhere at least in the mid-1960s. 3.9 came later, with the 3.7 in the very last cars at the end of the 1970s. If you have the whole pumpkin it's a simple swap car to car.

I currently have a 3.9 in the Tunebug, though when I get around to the 5-speed swap I'll probably put the 4.22 back in it for a little more snap off the line, and better ratios for the mountains.

 

[spritenut]

Stock up through 68 used a 4.22 and if you have a 948, stick with it.
69-78 used a 3.9, late 78 & 79 used a 3.77.
And if you really want to leap off the line, Morris Minors had 4.55s and some had 5.30s I think) zero to 40 in 2 seconds, but no faster :wink:
I currently run a 4.22 with a 5 speed and I think that is the perfect combo.
My 676 runs a 3.9 but has the stock 4 speed, it's nice for country drives but I also have a 1275 in it so the taller diff sort of matches the larger engine.

 

[Billm]

OK Frank-
What is a "676"?
BillM

 

[drooartz]

Frank, what RPM are you turning at 65 with the 4.22 and 5-speed?