need some info on the diffrences between a 486 and a 538. i have a 1835 motor and tore my gearbox out last night. what would be better for my car and why? any info would be great but need it before tomm so i know where to spend my money and still be at the bragging rights ride.

the teeth on the 486 are thicker thus stronger,,so is the case,,it is a updated trans altogether,,the 538 gearing is a great upgrade from a car tranny but better left to smaller stock engines ,,,or easy riding.

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If your clutch ain't slippin,, you probably got it adjusted right!!!!!

what he said,,,4;86 has a much larger pinion than a 5;38 and a lot wider 1st gear and a stronger case than anything out there

I like to use the bike analogy.. A 538 is like riding a 10 speed in 1st gear. You can accelerate quickly and easily but you cannot go very fast.

A 486 is like riding a 10 speed in 5th gear. It is harder to accelerate quickly but you can go faster. If you were EXTREMELY strong, you can ride a 10 speed up a hill in 5th gear but it puts a lot more strain on your legs and gears. The same is true with the Transmission. That is why the 486 gears are stronger. To support the additional torque and stress.

Good Luck

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so would a 486 be to much for a mild 1835? I plan to go bigger sooner or later but would i be wasting my time getting it now until i get bigger.
and i really do like your help.
THANK YALL

It depens on your setup... Tire size, cam, single or dual carbs etc. I ran my 1835 behind a 456 and loved it but on really long hills i would run out of motor. buggy weight all that stuff plays a role too just depends on how u like to ride. I personally think u would like the 486 that gear ratio seems to have the best of both worlds. U can crawl around but on a hill u can have plenty of wheel speed still.

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when in doubt use the skinny pedal!

Don't the 538 and 486 have the same 1st gear? 3:80 and same width?

4;86 has a lot wider 1st gear almost like a 4;56

from what i have been told the "later" 3 rib 1st gear was the same but the "earlier" 3 rib 1st was a bit narrower but i cant confirm that 100%

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Just Stand On It!!!!

Chris