I have a ’94 Camaro Z28 auto that is street driven only. If I want a 3.73:1 gear ratio, is it necessary to replace the entire rear end with a 12-bolt or Ford 9-inch? Does it depend on the amount of horsepower the car will be putting out? Given the expense of replacing the entire rear end, I don’t want to do it unless there’s too much of a risk not to.

If replacing the entire rear end is unnecessary in my case, what should I buy? Is the Richmond ring and pinion set good and would I need the Richmond installation kit with it? I plan on having the installation done by a professional.

Thanks for the help.

Richmond ring & pinion set (Part: 49-006-41)
http://www.jegs.com/i/Richmond+Gear/836/49-0046-1/10002/-1#?
OR
Richmond ring & pinion set (Part: 49-007-1)
http://www.jegs.com/i/Richmond+Gear/836/49-0007-1/10002/-1#


Richmond gear differential installation kit (Part: 83-1041-1)
http://www.jegs.com/i/Richmond+Gear/836/83-1044-1/10002/-1?
OR
Richmond gear differential installation kit (Part: 83-1041-M)
http://www.jegs.com/i/Richmond+Gear/836/83-1044-M/10002/-1

 

u shuld be cool i have 3.73s in one of my camaros and its 9000+ miles problems free lol (on that one ;p)

 

u can have the ring and pinion changed no problem. i recomend having a pro do it mostly because of the sensitivity of setting the gears and bearing preload.

 

Thanks for the help and I’m glad I don’t have to replace the whole rear. I will buy a ring and pinion set and get a professional to do the installation. Which ring and pinion set should I get and should I also buy the differential installation kit with it (i.e. part 83-1041-1 above)? I put links to the Richmond ring and pinion sets in my original post. What is the difference between part 49-006-41 and part 49-007-1 (the listed details are the same)? Are Motive ring and pinions better? Thanks again.

Motive ring and pinions:
http://cpwstore.carpartswholesale.com/catalog/?PN=8664&N=0&VN=4294967264+4294966993+4294966319+4 294965979+4294966426&Nr=AND(universal:0)&sv=0

 

#2 series fits the 308 and lower gear carrier and the #3 fits the 323 and higher carrier. so if u have the 323 or 342 then the #3 is the one u want. if u have the 273 then u want the #2. i would call jegs and/or the mechinic u are having install and ask about the kit. seems to be the same but arent. lol.

 

Agreed: If you do have 3.08 or 2.73 you can purchase a spacer for a series 3 gears. approx. $60 plus the cost of your 3.73 gears or you can purchase the Thick 3.73 gears designed for the series 2 carrier.

Does the 94 have Disc Brakes? another thought if you swap rear ends, look for Disc brakes.

 

I currently have 3.23 gears (RPO code reads GU5), so I will need series #3 (part 49-0046-1 - I copied the part number incorrectly in my previous posts). I don't know if I have rear disc brakes and won't be able to look at my car for a while.

I just want to make sure I understand this right. If I have an automatic LT1 Camaro that is street driven only, I am not in danger of needing to replace the entire rear end to upgrade to 3.73 gears (even if I greatly increase horsepower with several mods). Is that true?

 

the lts have a rearend that is rated to 300 hp so thats about the limit u want to go with the stock style lt unit. a ls rearend is rated to 350 hp.

 

I received price estimates from two different places and replacing the gears is expensive. It's probably best to just save up for a Ford 9-inch.

 

Just curious, what were your price estimates?