4th is still 1:1.
It is the first, second and third gears which are different.
The first gear in a close ratio is taller than the first gear in a wide ratio.
All close ratios are big spline input/output shafts. NASCAR specs.
With Bill at SA there might not be many choices. I purchased my engine and trans from SA.
He might have more choices now. With a 406 400HP you can use a top loader wide ratio even if it is a small input shaft. Which by the way is about the same size as the TKO600 input shaft.
It is up to you but I say you will be happier with a wide ratio toploader.
What rear gear ratio are you going to use?
Anything taller than a 3.31:1
and you might not be real happy at the fair grounds trying to find a spot to park with a close ratio Top loader.
Gear Ratios Close
firstsecondthirdfourthRatio2.321.691.291.0Tooth Count32282523Counter Gear Tooth Count15182125 Wide
firstsecondthirdfourthRatio2.781.931.361.0Tooth Count32312523Counter Gear Tooth Count15212430Gear ratio is determined by tooth count on second gear. If it has 28 teeth, it's a close ratio. If it has 31 teeth, it's a wide ratio. Not to take the sale away from Bill but David Kee can do both close and wide with a big spline if you want. I don't think the big spline is a big deal for a street Cobra. Toploader Price List