Alright, I have a 91 z28 with the 305 tpi setup. Eventually it will be swapped out for a 383 stroker putting out well over 400 hp, and I was wondering about the rear end. Would a completely rebuilt 7.5" chevy rear end with posi and 3.73 gears be able to handle the abuse along with my manual tranny? Or should I just get a ford 9" and swap over all of the mounting hardware? But the only problem I see with the ford is the torque arm bracket. I'm sure I could make something but I wouldn't be able to make it as strong as the stock version, which is like part of the 3rd member, but I can get close. What do you guys think? Would I be wasting my time with my 7.5" or just go ahead and make the ford?

 

If your future plans are completed the 10-bolt will not hold up (no matter what you do) to any abuse with a manual tranny. Ford 9" will NOT work in a 3rd gen car, due to your statements. However: A custom Ford 9" is available with the torgue arm and other items for 3rd gen cars. Expect to pay over $1500 if you go this route.

 

Yeah I have seen the custom setups and they cost about 1540 without a 3rd member, so I will probalby never go this route. What would you recommend?

 

Rethink that 383 idea....stock 5sp tranny and 10-bolt rear and you will be in the garage more then on the road. Engine+tanny+rear assemby=Big Bucks and if you don't have the big bucks you can name your car the "Garage Queen".

 

In addition to the suspension mounts swap, this will mount the torque arm to the 9": http://www.currieenterprises.com/ces...E.aspx?id=1595

 

People get away with 400hp on a stock 7.5" all the time, BUT, they are easy on it and they do eventually grenade (this is usually with an auto, a manual is much harder on the drive line as black mentioned.)

You can upgrade the axle shafts, have the tubes welded, eliminate the C clips, upgrade the carrier, LSD assembly, and yoke, but you'll still have a small ring and pinion in an axle that was never designed for that much power.

By doing all that, you'll be well over the cost of a bolt in 9", Dana 60, or 12 bolt.

This is assuming you're going to upgrade the 5spd as black said as well. The T5 will grenade on the first hard launch. You'll need to swap in something like a T56.

You'll also need a custom drive shaft, sub frame connects, torque arm relocation cross member (you'll end up braking the tail of the T56 without one), and sticky tires to keep the power to the ground.

If you've got the money to do all the upgrade required, GO FOR IT!

If not, rethink the 383 to something like a mild 355 in the 300hp range.

 

Alright, what would I have to upgrade if I had a healthy 350? I had planned on stiffening up the rear end... sub frames, aftermarket lower control arms, hardened axles, adjustable panhard bar, and poly bushings front to back. Would I still have to get a new driveshaft, torque arm relocation crossmember and what not?

 

I have all the ithe items listed + other parts and 89 BW disc brake 9-bolt rear on my car. With my built up crate TPI 350 & 700R4 auto and have NO problems. Your last question is confusing??? Just what rear are planning on using??? Also that 5sp stock manual & 350 is not going to last if you use it hard (clutch drops & high rpm burnouts & etc).

 

Well I have played around with the idea of swapping in a T-56. What would I have to do to make it fit? I have heard that they just go right in and also that they are a pain in the *** to get to work. I will be driving the car hard, don't get me wrong, so I know that I will have to figure something out. But I figured finding a used T-56 would be cheaper then buying the tremec TKO-500 that could handle 500 torque and cost 2100, and I would get another gear to mess around with.

 

I have a 82 z with a hi horse motor and it only has a 342 with an open rearend.I havent been able to break it yet.It has no traction but it is fun to drive.You have to stay on top of it cause sometimes it will burn posi and turn you sideways at 50mph.I am taking it to the local drag strip wed.I will post the timeslip shortly after.It costs alot to put a rear end in a third gen that will put up with 400 plus horse.It all depends on what you want and how much you can spend.I personaly am looking into a 9in.I cant wait to hammer this thing and not go up in smoke.