Right now there is a 10 bolt (don't know 8.2 or 8.5) with brand new (less than 500 miles) Auburn 3.08 pegleg gears and new axle seals. I was hunting for a 12 bolt, but should I just get a posi and new gears or just go ahead and get a 12 bolt? Will the 10 bolt hold up to 500 lb/ft? I plan to do a little bit of racing but only for performance checks.

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72 Work in progress
350 to 454 and new susp.

500 ft/lbs http://www.chevelles.com/forum/eek.gif Kinda like hookin a clydsdale up to a radio flyer wagon. Won't last in my opinion. Of course if you don't get any traction you might be okay http://www.chevelles.com/forum/wink.gif

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71-SS-BB-4spd
Never say Never
http://hometown.aol.com/ucpglover



[This message has been edited by DanG (edited 01-29-2003).]

A 12 bolt would be a good idea. The 10 may hold up, but who knows? You could put in a new Eaton posi and Moser axles and it might handle the power all right.

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'69 RS/SS396 Pro Street
427 4 speed 9"
Byars Performance
High Performance Drivetrain Parts & Service
www.lubedealer.com/biggearhead (http://www.lubedealer.com/biggearhead)

Id try the 10 bolt. If it breaks that would be a good time to get a 12 bolt. Have Fun!

FYI I have had an 8.5 in a race car for the last 4 yrs and it has been outstanding...I just had it cut down for my 65 Chevelle in a professional shop. He said the punishment that I have given it so far has not hurt it and said it should do just fine. I do have all Strange parts with TA cover....check the speces for 12 bolt....then the 8.5.....not much differance.....for what its worth...

DoneInAMinute. I'm not even going to ask about the name. But, I'm guessing you don't introduce yourself to the ladies with that nickname. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif

As for whether your rear end will hold up....,(lets don't go there). Seriously, If you use the 10 bolt with 500lbs of torque you definitely should not EVER bolt up slicks on that car.

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Bob Von Kaenel
70 SS 54k orig miles
My car. (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/barista70front.jpg)
The red interior. (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/barista70interior2.jpg)
The engine. (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/barista70engine.jpg)
Hood trim. (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/baristasgirls.jpg)

[This message has been edited by Barista (edited 01-29-2003).]

I think with the addition of a good Eaton posi, some race axles and welding the tubes into the center and it will certainly last. The heavier the car, the more strain there will be on it.
There are a TON of Buick Grand National guys running well into the 9's with their stock 8.5's with the above mentioned additions and most are at a race weight of 3500-3800lbs. The GN's are actually at a disadvantage to the earlier cars since they have 2 3/4 axle tubes which flex. The earlier cars have 3" tubes which help strengthen the housing a lot. The 8.5 is the preferred 10 bolt over the 8.2 since it has a very wide array of parts available. The pinion shaft on the 8.5 is the same diameter as a passenger car 12 bolt.
The problem is finding an 8.5 to bolt into a 72 and earlier A body since they are relatively rare. To identify what you have; look at the rear cover. A smooth cover is an 8.5 and one with the ridge or fin is an 8.2.
Hope that helps.

[This message has been edited by 78Maliburacer (edited 01-30-2003).]