Rick Hesel

Richmond gear gave us some interesting and I think very good news on the rear gears they are making for us. They have decided to change the ratio from 4.56 to 4.57. This will yeild an even stronger gear. The tooth count on the 4.56 would have been 41/9 (ring/pinion) whereas the 4.57 will have a 32/7 count. This will make each tooth stronger because each one will be thicker.

For more information on the Richmond rear gear sets and to place a preproduction order, see this page:

http://www.ricks2k.com/products/reargears.php

3ngin33r1

A 32/7 would get you closer to an actual 4.57 (4.5714285714285714285714285714286) at just a smidge over, rather than a 41/9 which is under at 4.5555555555555555555555555555556.

Great news, Rick!

So this will come out to:
1st 39.63 (-.08MPH)
2nd 60.71 (-.13MPH)
3rd 83.83 (-.18MPH)
4th 106.94 (-.23MPH)
5th 127.86 (-.28MPH)
6th 153.09 (-.33MPH)

Negligible loss of top speed in exchange for a large strength increase.

pain462

Great news Rick, looks like I waited until just the right time to do this mod

S2kRob

Anyone know what stock is (I mean number of teeth on ring/pinion)?

The new pinion gear is still within acceptable size limits, correct?

Stratocaster

4.10=41/10
4.30=43/10
4.44=40/9
4.57=32/7
4.77=43/9

And Yes, the new 4.57 R&P will be within the proper size limits.

3ngin33r1

Wow, that's quite impressive on the 4.57 compared to the rest of the lineup. Anyone have figures on the stress/strength reduction or increase?

S2KYSK

Sure, it would be stronger... But, would it still be smooth and quite? Last time I check less teeth make things rougher and noiser.

Stratocaster

[QUOTE]Originally posted by S2KYSK
Sure, it would be stronger... But, would it still be smooth and quite?

3ngin33r1

That's what my fiance tells me all the time...

JL

I've been talking to some people to find a shop who can do the gear replacement locally and it's strange that one person told me yesterday when I told him about this change that the less teeth is worse than more. The 32-7 will be weaker than the 41-9. I think what he was saying was that with less teeth, there will be more force need to be applied and thus weakening the gear. Does this make sense?