Hi everyone, after reading everything you all wrote about that rear differential ratio stuff, I'll post my reply...
I drive a 1980 Spider 2000 FI car. which is pretty much stock appart for the smaller diameter wheels 22.7'' instead of 23.7'' std. (see below)
So if I'm understanding right, I'm accelerating faster with this wheels & tires combination. Is that right?
I'm just getting back from a 1h00 drive with my spider on some backcountry roads (where the speed limit is around 90km/h) and I really had great fun driving that car. It's like that car was designed for that (instead of highway driving)
Since I bought that car only one month ago, I'm still Learning how that car behaves...But one thing I noticed is that this engine really likes to revs between 3,000 RPM and 4,500 RPM and also that it gives the better accelerating feeling also. In fact, I had great fun staying in 4th gear and reving that engine...
So, starting from what some of you wrote, I would have a 3.9 : 1 differential ratio.
What do I need to get my hands on, in terms of replacement parts, to improve acceration? (I really do not care about the engine reving higher RPM in 5th on the highway)
And just to make it clear, I totally agree with what Dawgme85 wrote.
On top of that, have I red right that the older differential assembly weights 20 lbs less ???