Gear Ratio Advice? (Related to Speed Metric)

[SapphSabre]

I've been enjoying this game immensely, but one aspect that has eluded me has been the gear ratios. When I fiddle with the ratios, my speed metric goes down and it gives me the feeling that I am interpreting or balancing these ratios all wrong. For example, at base with full upgrades, the R34 is 461, but prior ratios I've tested have turned out lower than that. Can someone explain the best way to optimize gear ratios, and if speed metrics do or do not correlate to optimal gear ratios?

[Ishinoyonitsuyoi]

Don't worry about Speed Metric as its just some arbitrary number generated based on equipment and settings. It doesn't equate to real in-game results as each car is different and everyone's play style (driving style) is also different.

But final drive ratio is important. In the car tuning scene in real life, typically RWD Japanese cars used for drifting come stock with 3.3 to 3.9 rear end ratio. This allows for a less responsive car for comfort and higher top speed. Typically, you would want something more aggressive for drag racing or drifting. So for that, we used taller ratios such as 4.0 and even 4.5 ratio. Any higher than that and the car would hit maximum engine RPM at such a low speed.

So for freeway racing like this game, you typically want somewhat of a sporty ratio balance. You wouldn't want such a short final ratio like 3.4 because you would be too slow to accelerate, but you also don't want it to be too high at 4.4 because yes, you might get the jump on the Boss in the beginning, they will quickly pass you sooner or later as you'll be stuck in high RPM range at higher speeds. I recommend something like 4.1 ratio for a good balance.

This game also lets you modify transmission gear ratios, so you can also play around with how your car behaves in each gear. It depends on your driving style. Do you want to launch off the start of a race and gap your enemy quickly? Then go for a tall ratio. Do you let the enemy take the lead in the beginning and catch up later at extreme speeds because you have an extra gear they dont have? Then go for a lower gear than stock. Up to you.

Also depends on your play style- do you want more control (traction) during hard cornering? Then you might want taller transmission gear ratios so you can downshift and gain quick acceleration. Maybe you want to be the king of long straights and win via endurance at top speeds? So you would want a shorter ratio.

[NOTnNPC]

Any tips for Alto works HÁ 36S, to behave on a accel. like that wanderer pizza guy?
I haver messed alot with final gear, also individual gears, but even my trueno haver better Accel than my alto.