Curious: ET difference b/t 3 speed and 4 speed?

[Dibbons]

I know some years the "standard" transmission for the Road Runner 383 was a 3 speed manual. i wonder how that would stand up to an equally equipped 4 speed manual at the drag strip. Anyone have any magazine/personal data/facts?

 

[Cranky]

The 4 speed offers better gear ratios to help keep the engine in a tighter torque range imo. You don't have a torque converter to help multiply engine torque like an automatic does but if you have a torque monster engine, the 3 speed might do you fine. I ran a Chevy years ago with a 3 speed that had the shifter hooked up backwards to pull second gear instead of pushing for it. Worked great for street light racing :grin: