Maybe I am confused but you are saying he was pulling faster mph on the hill with 13/36 then you were with 14/38? And you were both in the same gear when tagged?
The gear ratio chart..people,people..use it..there is higher torque with a 13/36 then 14/38.. the 14/38 gives you top end and increased torque.. the 13/36 gives more torque on bottom and decreased top speed.. the numbers are close like 2.81 for 13/36.. 2.71 for 14/37 and 2.77 for 14/38.. the 13/36 would be equivalent to 14/39 at 2.79. my numbers are prob off a little but im not looking at gear ratio chart atm.. But thats why he can feel the torque of your machine but it isnt quite powerful on bottom as his.. But if given more gears and straight.. He would if he gets traction beat you in 1/8th mile and youd outrun him by like 10-12 mph in the 1/4th mile.. 13 tooth is cheating and wears chain and guides out and other driveline components take more stress.. bigger is always better and if you can go up on both to achieve desired gearing then it is recommended by pro to do so.. 14/39 14/40 15/35 14/41.. If you have the motor built larger front helps get power to ground without spin.. mild build stick with 14t, mostly stock go to 13t or if using larger tire like 20-22 tire you gotta go 13t whatever to get back to stock tire size / gear ratio and then always always gear down for power.. by gear down i mean go +1 +2 +3 on rear sprocket, then if you find you would need +4 in rear for desired result then id recommend gearing up the front sprocket by going down to 13t.. Otherwise look up the chart for sprockets gear ratio and compare numbers the larger the gear ratio the better the torque the lower the # nets higher top end.. you gotta find that ratio thats just better all around, has bottom and top too.. near 2.70 imo is best all around 2.90 is wheelie king, anything below 2.68 has great tractor ability and will lug you around especially if running a 15 front and -1 or more on rear will give you 90mph top end but will bog in the deep in taller gears like 3 and 4 gear.. i tend to figure out what lets 3rd pull the best.. i like strong hit from 3rd that pulls your arms off out of corners and up dunes.. 14/37 14/38 14/39 or like your buddy 13/36 and if i still need more power 13/37 is wild 😜 on any 450 quad.. my ltr is 14/36 stock and i have 14/38 but keep a 36 and 37 as 1 tooth contrary to beliefs does make a difference, noticable one too.. i was happy with 14/37 but 14/39 is closer too 13/36, id say try it but this post is like old old and im beating a dead horse but then again i wanted others to have that info on how to properly gear and how too use gear ratio chart.. because there isnt many factual answers out there.. For those that just want some quick dirty torque at cost of wear and tare be my guest pick up a 13t sprocket and rocket but i highly recommend sticking to 14t add the teeth to rear till you cant no more, 1t drop in front is = 2.5t to 3.5t added to rear.. which also is the percentage of increased performance efficiency is like each tooth 1t =10 percent, 2t= 20 percent, 3t =30 percent torque givin available HP is there to accommodate, anything more will require mods to make the HP (hc piston,cam, exhaust, tuner,(jetting for more fuel) race fuel in order to feel any gains, especially when you get into bigger gears like 15/36>>>>you need power available or have too much power(tire spin).. i hope this helps someone.. Now go get you some mods and Find that HP and find a gear ratio thats better then stock but not excessive, you and your engine will thank me later..
