I liked my 3 + 1 Tranny until it starting having problems. As a matter of fact I started to have it rebuilt. The problem I had with having it rebuilt was it was the kind of 3+1 that had the shift rail made internally and the shifter was made right to the tailshaft. I wanted to upgrade the POS stock shifter and there wasn't anyway to feasibly do that on my trans. Now I have seen that 3+1 that have the regular shifting linkage and removable shifter which would have been nice if mine was like that. With 1st through 3rd being the same as a 3 speed it was nice banging through the gears and when I was done accelerating and was ready to cruise and save on gas that 4th gear OD was nice when I was taching only around 1800 at 55-60MPH and getting 20+ MPG with a 302 4bbl
If memory serves it should be noted that the "big input big output toploader" had a close ratio. Wide ratio was not an option. But I don't know how many guys are going to use the big in/out behind a smallblock. 1-3/8" input 31 spline output.
I've got a big input/big output sitting in my garage and it is a wide ratio. Anyone wanting to know the whole story behind what is in your particular toploader should go here... http://www.davidkeetoploaders.com/idchart1.htm
Memory did serve me well. No factory wide ration big in/out. "Also the 427, 428, and 429 engines had the big diameter input with the larger 31 spline output shaft. The 1 3/8 inch input was only made for the 2.32 close ratio but today you can purchase modular style inputs that allow for ratios in wide or close configuration. The 1 1/16 inch input was used in all the small blocks and the 390 engine as well."
