OzzyC4

Does anyone have any information on a 8.8 Ford IRs into a C3 conversion?
Thanks.

SteveG75

Why? Nothing wrong with the C3 IRS.

ajrothm

I haven't heard of this conversion.....but I am interested.

$5k for the 12 bolt conversion is a biscuit out of my range.....

Ben Lurkin

That's true IFF you have a factory small block car. But it won't be long for this world behind a high tq/hp engine.

I've been considering looking into Fabbing up a ford 9" IRS diff. The 3rd member is STRONG, cheap, and readily available. Three of my favorite words. The 8.8 is no slouch either, but it would have to be installed into a 'vette or custom carrier. Do you have a source for this?

TheSkunkWorks

Easier to just step up to a well built 12-bolt IRS conversion, IMCO, as I've done. Tom's doesn't do them anymore, but if you don't already know who to call to have one done right, PM me. Should that not be strong enough, there are some Dana 60 IRS setups out there, including the one from Strange which 427Hotrod has. No, they aren't cheap by any stretch of the imagination, but if you really need the added strength you've likely already figured out that high performance comes at a price. Thus the old adage, "How fast do you want to go? How much money do you want to spend?" My $.02

enkeivette

OzzyC4

I am talking about using the COMPLETE irs setup, not ust the center section.

Yes I know it would require major fab work. I just wonder if the benefits would offset the effort.

NOT for drag use, just a street and autocross toy.

SuprJames

What about the CTS rear end? I know that LS Miatas are using those and they are lighter.

gkull

At work over the years we have done three 9 inch IRS road racing setups. I personnally just use a tough well built stock iron housing

Van Steel

I wouldn't rely on the CTS or CTS-V rear. Only diff between the 2 is the ring gear ratio. Lots of V guys blew up the rear ends. Even 6 cylinder CTS's had issues. Gear wine being 1 of them. This is of course on the 1st gen CTS and V cars. Not sure about the 2nd gen. My 08, non-V unfortunatly, has no issues thus far but the wife drives it now. My 1st gen CTS went through 3 rear ends and it was a 6 cy. also.

Can't comment on the 8.8 IRS. I don't even know what it looks like.lol

tt 383

What power levels are you dealing with? Is this a manual or auto? I dont think the labor would offset the cost or offer a huge strength advantage. I have wondered if the new 8.625 gears (used in trucks) could be used when rebuilding. Use studs on the housing and upgrade from the stub axles out. There has got to be a way to blueprint the rear and not cost too much..... Would the coilover setup make it easier to install a 9inch since you wouldnt need the spring ledge on the cover? Would that increase strength, not having the spring forces on the cover of the center section?

Billysvette

8.8 ford rears suck,they are weak,in the gen 1 lightning group,we are always busting these rears,everybody changes out the rears for some other brand eaton,detroit,ford 9",etc.Its one of the things you do first when you start to mod one of these trucks,stay away.That is if the irs 8.8 is the same as regular solid axle 8.8

tt 383

I think that may have to do with the extra 12-1500 lbs. you guys carry. Weight can make a huge difference in parts longevity...... Many 8.8 mustangs in the 9 sec range on a 8.8 but at 2900 lbs or less.

Billysvette

You probably have something there But i would not put one in my vette,i would go with something better.

tt 383

I would fab a 9inch to fit upgraded IRS parts in some way shape or form if spending the time and money on it.

Solid LT1

Modded early CTSV's are cracking those open like eggs, one guys solution was to swap in a C3 Vette Differential. I wouldn't go there if I were you. Best solution is to convert C3 differential to Tom's Differentials 12bolt spider gears with 30 spline side yokes. GTR1999 (Gary) has some good write ups on this process if you know where to look.

tt 383

http://www.dutchmanaxles.com/1_irs_centers.html
Has anyone seen this? Seems like this would lend itself well to a 9 inch swap so far as the housing goes.

Tumarr

Funny this topic has just come up, I just about to get started in constucting a ford 9" center section for my 8 second vette. I will be selling my old 12 bolt converted stock vette housing soon when I am finished. I'll make a new thread and post pictures up once I get started.

I already have my third member ordered and other stuff coming on its way, then I will start the fabbing up. I am planning on getting into the 7's with my future set up and I am gonna do it with IRS.

tt 383

Who has done this work for you and at what cost.

whitelightning94

I dont know how to get a hold of the guy. but this is what your looking for.
http://lateral-g.org/members/jennings66vette/