Choosing Hewland Gears fro Strength

[dereklola]

My engine (Indy Lights) is somewhat over the torque range for my gears (FT200).

Which is the better choice of ratio for gear strength - more teeth? - or fewer (and therefore bigger) teeth? And why?

For instance is a 19:24 better than a 26:33 or vice versa - both are same ratio (almost).

[Charles Warner]

Derek,

I've always heard to choose the ratios with fewer teeth as the base of each tooth is larger and presumably stronger. The critical thing is to only use "M" series Hewland gears. I used them in the Reynard (570 hp) and the Shadow (520 hp) with absolutely no issues. I do, however, magnaflux each gear used after every weekend. And the CWP every winter. The last CWP lasted 4 seasons and "might" have gone another - it was replaced.

BTW I have used a non-M series in 4th and 5th in an emergency as the instant stress on them while shifting is less. I absolutely refuse to use them in the lower ratios.