[PA-IndianRider]

There is definately a connection between weight vs horsepower = lower ets & higher MPH.

Even though our C10 is a LONG way from going down the 1/4 I have already incorporated "weight savings" & other weight saving ideas to be done as our build progresses.... which includes a fiberglass frontend and rear fenders, no inner fenderwells, no heater and ducts) no radio, lighter seats, no inner fenderwells, top chop, aluminum floor, eliminate radiator support & replace with aluminum support, remove wood in bed & replace with stainless sheetmetal , fiberglass front bumper.

Other "weight" related ideas included in our build will be moving the battery & fuel tank to the bed (replaced with fuel cell) over/behind the rear axle, a 4" tube rear bumper/push bar filled with extra adding material for weight/ballast..... etc, etc

So faced with your question what would I do????? I'd would with no, ands, ifs or buts go for the "steeper gears".

In my experiences the cars that are most successful and consistant are the ones that have their engine/horsepower matched to the drivetrain components (transmission, rear gears, etc.)

I admit that having a "one piece" frontend is a weight savings plus it ranks really high on the "cool factor" scale. Just love cars/trucks - old/new with their "one piece" frontend tilted foward and standing high and proud in the air.

Even so, IMO the "biggest" bang for the buck is the rear gears.

I think everyone who has seen the videos you have posted of your truck going down the drag strip has been impressed by how hard it runs. Without already knowing NO ONE would guess that your rear gears are so high (3.73s).

Go for the GEARS!!!!