OK... I think I see what you mean...
My engine rebuild...
4.10 R&P, in 1st gear, just idling at 900 RPM, my torque number 69.4 foot lbs, my speed is 5.1 MPH
I punch the throttle to 1900 RPM, my torque is 112, my speed is 11 MPH
4.88 R&P, in 1st gear, just idling at 900 RPM, my torque number 69.4 foot lbs, my speed is 4.3 MPH
I punch the throttle to 1900 RPM, my torque is 112, my speed is 9 MPH
So my throttle response is the same, but my actual speed is higher with the 4.10 gears at 1900 RPMs??
Gnarls.
The time it will take to reach the same speed will be less with the higher gears even though you will be at higher rpm.
I think you need to stop thinking about flywheel horsepower but more about torque to the wheels. For the same reason in a general way a 3000lbs, 300hp vehicle with 3.73 gears will be slower in the 1/4 mile than the same vehicle with 4.10 gears. Let's say a completely stock setup makes 100 ft-lbs tq to the wheels. Add a 5% increase in torque with engine mods, you are at 105 ft-lbs tq to the wheels. De-gear by 10% and add heavier wheels/tires and you are pretty much back to stock torque to the wheels if not less. What I mean is you are increasing your power output, and aiming for a particular powerband (which may be spot on or completely different than what your engine program results show), but decreasing torque transmitted to the ground by having higher gear ratios, and the final results may not be far from a stock setup with 28'' tires. It will however be much better than a stock engine on 31'' with 4.10 that's for sure.
