The 1st gear is useless as in I start from a stop in 2nd all the time, didn't know bigger gears would be the same. I just get worried when cruising down the street 30 mph and the engine sounds like its at 4000 rpm. I'm keeping the normal size tires and they do bust loose easy in any gear but I will upgrade axle shafts and u joints since I've already done it like 10 times between my 2 Jeeps. I had it wheel dynoed with 450 HP and 430 ft/lb torque, I'll have to get the sheet uploaded to here. I've actually never had it on the freeway always cruise easy, but I do dump the clutch sometimes around ricer kids in their jap cars.