If you dont know what a final drive ratio is then maybe you better not mess with it.

If you gotta have the tranny call shep or BR for a bushwhacker they will hook you up if you have the cash.

 

Personally, I would go with a 4.11 on a IX gearbox. I've got a 2.4L shortblock sitting in my garage and getting ready to finalize my gearing to install them both at once. My suggestion will not be optimal for everyone. Gearing is specific for each powerband. I kept certain goals in mind when putting this together. I plan to run 255/40/17 or similar tires.

Criteria:
1st gear - Still easy to get going from a stop
2nd gear - Still able to autoX effectively
4th gear - Ability to reach 130mph under 8k rpm. (estimated 7,800rpm)
5th gear - Lower cruising rpms but not a boat anchor

Rev limit 8,500rpm 4th gear = 142mph
Rev limit 8,500rpm 5th gear = 205mph

With that said, I plan to run an FpRed on 93+meth for a fast spooling all-around setup ~500whp. Looking to get a similar big midrange as a stock turbo, only more violent. The shorter IX 3rd, 4th and 5th will allow less power to turn the 4.11 final drive than using VIII+4.11 gearing. The longer 5th should help fuel economy over my stock setup. Feels like the car is screaming cruising down the highway. My only concern is having first gear be too long for daily driving.

The Evo 8 1st gear with the 4.11 will bring it down to 44 mph. Is the VIII 1st gear weaker than a IX 1st gear?

*Bold values are my "optimal" gear choices:

Car/trans/drive	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th
Evo 8 - Stock 4.53	40	60	83	113	162
Evo 8 - HKS 4.11	44	66	91	125	178
Evo 9 - Stock 4.529	42	60	81	106	153
Evo 9 - HKS 4.11	46	66	89	117	169

@7,000rpm

TRE - Gear Ratio Options Whatever isn't listed, I calculated myself.

Stock IX 5th - 75mph @ 3,450rpm
4.11 + IX 5th - 75mph @ 3,100rpm