Not liking the 1:1 5th gear at all. Makes you wonder why they chose that trans... the engine probably doesn't make chit for torque.
It has 100%+ VE from 3750 rpm to 6500 rpm peaking at 110%+. In otherwords it has what may be one of the widest torquebands of any production engine. Essentially its just a little short of a NASCAR Cup engine in efficiency (They are around 120% unrestricted) It out powers the 4.6L 3V from idle. Thats to large extent because of the independently variable cams allowing them to not only advance/retard the IC but also move the EO in the opposite direction when needed. It can adjust the cams from "lock to lock" at 7000 rpm in less than one engine revolution.The 11.0:1 Compression also helps. The 412/390 rating is on 91 octane but like GM's LS series engines it has adaptive spark (ie it can advance the spark more when it has better fuel). The powerband is 2000-7000 rpm. It starts 1000 rpm earlier and pulls 1000 rpm higher than the 4.6L 3V.
They chose that trans for very good reason. The best performance they could get and avoid gas guzzler tax and get approval from Ford Corporate. Ford worked with Getrag on getting the ratios just right. 2-5 are the same ratios as 1-4 in the classic musclecar 2.43 Low Ford Toploader 4-Speed.
Compared to a TR3650 the MT82 with 3.55 acts like a TR3650 with:
1st - 3.84 Rear Axle
2nd - 4.31 Rear Axle
3rd - 4.54 Rear Axle
4th - 4.69 Rear axle
With a Evan Smith quality driver in mineshaft air the car should run about 115 mph traps (117 mph at actual finish line).
3.73 is going to be about 350 rpm past the rpm limiter (7000 rpm).
3.55 is going to be just under 7000 rpm.
3.31 is going to be a little over 6500 rpm.
All of these in 4th.
Which gear you need will depend on what type of tire you are going to run and how tall it is. Im going to run real street tires so Im going with the 3.31's. If I cant manage to get it to launch on street tires I will go to a shorter 245/45R17 DR on my spare 17's which will raise finish line rpm by close to 400 rpm.
2007 TR3650 3.55 (My old car).
3.55 x 3.38 = 12.00 (Overall Launching Gear)
12.00 x 320 = 3840 lb-ft
2011 MT82 3.31
3.31 x 3.66 = 12.115
12.115 x 390 = 4725 lb-ft
Thats hitting the rear tires harder than 4.30's would on my 2007. Thats going to be hard enough to deal with on Pirellis.
JMHO. That and a buck will buy you a cup.....