Rear options?

[supercharged87]

First off, I am new to modifying Corvettes, I have an 80 thats been sitting in my garage for the past 2 years and I'm starting to get some ideas for it. I eventually intend to put a new motor in it, but for now my concern is in the rear. I'm not crazy about the independant rear suspension, plus I've heard before that they can't take too much power in these cars is that true? Also is there a way to put maybe a 12 bolt into the car without too much modifcations? Or even what can I do to make the rear thats in there stronger? Thank you for any help in advance.

 

[AKRAY4PLAY]

that is a popular question. i am running 600hp and 590ft/lbs into my stock independant rear suspension. i have a worked th400 with stall and no problems after two years of hard run time. if you want the ultimate in rear suspension, check out Tom's Differentials in southern California. he has a website, but it is not to informative unless you what the parts are. he is nice to talk with over the phone, but prices are a little high. it all depends on how much power you are talking about. Brian

 

[supercharged87]

Just out of curiousity, do you launch the car on slicks ever? I plan on going a little milder than 600hp, maybe around 400hp, but I plan to use slicks. If the stock rear set up can take this kind of power, I won't even worry about it. Thank you for your help.

Kyle

 

[groovyjay]

The stock rear can take alot of beating, even with slicks. Under heavy torque nothing is bullet proof, but if you want to upgrade from stock stuff, call Tom's Differentials or Van Steel (I think they stock Tom's stuff nowadays)

 

[AKRAY4PLAY]

Kyle,
i would not worry to much about 400 hp. i would upgrade to some heavy duty Dana Spicer u-joints, preferably the greasable ones with the grease zert in the cap. a manual tranny puts more stress on everything because of the slapping of gears. if you are careful with gear changes, a manual will not bang the rear end, but the likelihood is much higher. the rear end under your car is basically the same as the high hp cars of the late 60's and early 70's, so they are designed to take a beating. run her 'til she blows, then upgrade. Brian

 

[supercharged87]

Cool, I'm definately just going to leave it alone for now. Thank you both so much for answering my questions, I guess now its onto the transmission.


Kyle

 

[1BAD80]

In 80 they lightened the Vettes and put in smaller U-joints on the automatics. The rear end is a Dana 44.
My 350 started to give me trouble with a intake, carb, & headers.
I had to cut and weld on spindles for a 1350 U-joint.
IM running a 427 small block built and runs 10.80's.
I haven't had any problem since I have redone the drive train.
The Trans housing is prone to crack around completely turn with the driveshaft. Happened on a 82 with nitrous ox.
If its a 4 speed stick your OK, since it comes with the larger U-joints.
Royal Purple Gear Lube is great for any Vette rearend, its lubricity does not squeeze out and have metal to metal contact, it takes away 95% of ALL gear noise inside the car.

 

[supercharged87]

The car is an original 4 speed car, also, I'll definately try the Royal Purple, because the gears are very noisy, especially in the trans. Thanks for your help.

Kyle

 

[1BAD80]

Your in great shape. Do you have the poly trans mount and especially the front differential mounting bushing.
I had to go to solid motor mounts, the safty engine mount's would break at the ploy, bend the lock tabs apart.
Poly mount's should be used anyplace to take the extra shock / torque of the motor.
You will need a good clutch with that motor.
Good Luck

 

[supercharged87]

To tell you the truth, the trans is sitting in my friends garage right now, along with the motor. I took both out about 2 years ago a little after I got the car and really haven't had the time to play with it until now ( I have another project car I just finished). So basically I have all the stock stuff. I has actually considering ditching the 4 speed for a 5 or 6 speed, but for now I'm just thinking about everything before I go and do something I don't want. However, when I do get the new motor in and the trans, I will most likely use Energy Suspension motor and trans mounts, I have only ever had good experiences from these and I really don't want the vibrations of the solid mount.