I haven't modded my Hellcat for the better part of a year and a half due to work, life, etc., but am back to the point I will have time to race and modify it again. It makes 900+ to the tires before a 150 shot of Nitrous. I have been thinking about putting in 3.09 gears, but all the threads I am reading say the high HP cars shouldn't or that there are traction issues. I am sure I just didn't dig far enough, but I couldn't find any threads specifically about cars running 3.09 gears and the 15 inch rear conversion. On the street it runs MT 295-65R 15's and at the track MT Bracket Radial Pro's 28/10.5R15's, both sets on Weld bead locks. I haven't had any traction issues at the track, while on the street it will break lose at anything below 40 if they aren't warmed up. So, my question is, do I stay with the stock gears or is the 3.09 change worth it? Thank you ahead time for any info.
Stock 2.62's or 3.09's for a 900+ rwhp Hellcat on 15 inch rear tires.
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I don’t have a A8 but I do have an opinion!
A local guy has a Charger lightly modified (non-RE), few months ago he did 204 in a 1.5mi run at Loring AFB. More recently he did 10.137 @ 138 in the 1/4, all with a 2.62. I know the SS is shipped with the 3.09, and a lot of guys are switching to the 3.09, but facing the slips this guy has earned, I would think very carefully before switching. I am considering a RE to add to my stable, and I’m leaning toward the 2.62.
A local guy has a Charger lightly modified (non-RE), few months ago he did 204 in a 1.5mi run at Loring AFB. More recently he did 10.137 @ 138 in the 1/4, all with a 2.62. I know the SS is shipped with the 3.09, and a lot of guys are switching to the 3.09, but facing the slips this guy has earned, I would think very carefully before switching. I am considering a RE to add to my stable, and I’m leaning toward the 2.62.
Here are my thoughts on it. The only reason I see to not go with the 3.09 gears is if there is issues with how the transmission shifts, which I have I have seen reference to in various threads. I can always take some gear out of it with taller tires, but I would really not like to go that route. On the flip side of it, the car pulls very hard on the top end and I really hate to mess with that. However, I would love to hear from someone who has direct experience with changing the gears or staying stock.
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The fastest hellcats stay with the 2.62. Just something to think about. But if you do a full 9 in the rear that would be the best bet.
Yeah, that's what I keep reading, but there is description as to why? I am curious as to the "why"......are the 2.62's just optimal for the transmission gears, etc.. I have a hard time with, just because. Lol. I have thrown around doing the 9 inch, but its pricey.
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246 Posts
If you were staying stock or anything under 850rwhp then yes the 3.09s. that's just my honest opinion. I also thought about doing 3.09s but there's some folks here that actually went from 3.09s back to 2.62s with higher horsepower. I would put the money somewhere else.
Seems pretty basic. The higher the hp and the lower the gearing, the less possible traction you would have, no? I think of it in extremes. If the engine had 1000 hp with 12” wheels it would shred them. Same hp with monster truck wheels and tires would be a lot harder lol.
I posted before on that, Gear calculator shows the difference between the 2,62 and 3,09's is one gear. And if you're putting 900+ to the ground stay with the 2.62's IMVHO.
I've swapped more rear gears in my Mustang's than some people change underwear, [OK, slight exaggeration there] but it is simple math, let the 2,62 rear push the car harder in a lower gear while the 3.09's are pushing a taller trans gear.
I've cut a 1.539 60' and run a 7-flat 1/8 mile with my heavy a$$, stock weight 2020 with 2.62's.
Another local guy has a 2020 NB and ran mid-10,7's with 2.62's and the seats removed. His car seems to be a factory freak.
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3.09s or bust brotha! Tim Barth who tunes some of the fastest hellcats in the country told me all of them have 3.09's
Back in 2015 When my Husband ( rip ) @Top Cat and I were out T+T & R+D of parts and Tuning with [email protected]
My husband bought and had High Horse Performance Install 309 Gears on My HC Charger. It was a present and was my favorite mod. My Charger was first ever to have 309 gears. I Love them especially at the Track. I have a little over 900 HP Remember The Demon has 309 Gears. I also run 18 inch wheels a combo my husband thought was good along with MT ET Rs.
Now his Challenger known as Top Cat had the 9 inch conversion and also the 15 inch brake conversion.
This allows a different gear and tire ratio.
Linda
My husband bought and had High Horse Performance Install 309 Gears on My HC Charger. It was a present and was my favorite mod. My Charger was first ever to have 309 gears. I Love them especially at the Track. I have a little over 900 HP Remember The Demon has 309 Gears. I also run 18 inch wheels a combo my husband thought was good along with MT ET Rs.
Now his Challenger known as Top Cat had the 9 inch conversion and also the 15 inch brake conversion.
This allows a different gear and tire ratio.
Linda
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