Will my stock 8.5" 10 bolt 3.08 rear end hold up to the street 455 BBB I am building? My engine builder say approx 500HP & 525 lb.s of torque. My trans. is a switch pitch 400. I have not installed the motor and trans. yet. Is there anything I can do to improve the reliability of my rear end set up? I am guessing that will be the weak link and first to go.
I run a similar setup with no problems at all. My stock 8.5 held up without a complaint. If you do want to reinforce it, the TA rear cover is a good bet, as is welding up the tubes.
I'm using an 8.5 10 bolt rear out of a 71 GS350. Of course I built it with 30 spline Moser axles, and brand new Eaton Posi, and 3.73's. The stock 8.5 is one tough rear. Same pinion support as a 12 bolt and bolt in axles, no C clips. I wouldn't worry. It will easily handle the street. If it breaks at the track, parts are plentiful.
I run an 8.5 ten bolt in my camaro. It had an eaton posi, ta diff cover, and strange 28 spline axles. It has never ever missed a beat for me. I leave off of a trans brake and have 1.41 in average 60 foot times and run 10.20's. They are pretty tough. Good luck! :beers2:
Errrr ... hows your driveshaft and U-Joints ?? At the least, pull the cover and inspect, fill with a good synth. fluid and posi additive
anyone think an original 72 8.5 will hold up to a 650-700hp twinturbo 350 will be adding gears/detroit trutrac, new bearing and seal kit, and weld the stub ends ..all on 325-50 m/t dr's
Axles like to snap with sticky tires ...It happened to me @ about the 500 HP range. 8.5 is an excellent rear end thou!!:TU:
