Switching Gears...need some help

[Tech]

I have a 1999 Camaro V6 5 Speed. I am wondering if I need a new differential or if I already have an adquate one. Various sources have told me I already have a Zexel but im not sure. I am looking at getting either Richmond / Richmond Sport / or SLP 3.73 gears. Hoping to beat those little 4 cyl ricers that smoke me usually. 1st gear has great accel but 2nd gear has NOTHING I lose all my power and acceleration in 2nd. Hoping that dropping to 3.73 will help out. Do I need to get a new diff. along with my gears and which ones do you reccommend? I will eventually buy an aluminum driveshaft. Thanks

[SilverBirdSeven]

Look inside the door for the code (G80). That will tell you if you have the LSD. 3.73's would be awesome too since you have 3.23 now I believe.
That along with the driveshaft would be a pretty kick *** set up.

[Tech]

ok so the door code shows GU5 but not G80 or Y87...So do I need to purchase a differential? I am looking at an auburn gear differential with Richmond or SLP gears....

[T-Punk]

if it is the stock auburn you dont want it if it is the auburn pro then its great. Get the zexel diff out of a late 4th gen v8 if you want to save a little money. 3.73's would be great. I went the easier rout and put in a rear out of a v8 with 3.42's and the zexel diff. putting the gears in yourself is hard if not impossible (pay someone else if you decide to go ahead with the 3.73's). it is much easier to just swap out the whole damn thing. the aluminum driveshaft is on my todo list, deffinately worthwhile.

[shenanigans]

you have a stock open diff... and sorry john(t-punk), I'd take a stock auburn over a zexel torsion ANY day of the week. Teh auburn is a clutch style LSD diff and can and will wear out but imo out performs the zexel.

and auburn pro or eatan woudl be sweet but a little pricey. zexel and auburn regular are found in alot of junkyards.

As for gears, I would pay someone to install them, and if you are paying someon for a gear install might as well pay them for a diff install as well.

3.73s would be pretty sweet in a 5-speed, never had it but wanted to try them, I have had 3.23s and 3.42s in a 5-speed car and they ar a nice upgrade.

[T-Punk]

The auburn is more efficient and from what i hear is better for auto-x as well. However the zexel will last much longer and isnt much less efficient. Me i chose durability but if you are looking for that slight edge and dont mind working on the rear end every once in a while then the auburn is fine. If you get the auburn make sure you put the lsd additive in or you will be in for a noisy ride.