Drive train upgrades
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Riverdale GA
Drive train upgrades
Having added a considerable amount of horsepower (510), I have made as many drive train upgrades as recommended....3 inch half shafts, 3 inch drive shaft, HD flanges, HD U joints, HD yokes and caps. Is their something else that is recommended? This car is NOT a drag strip car but a street car that I may have an occassion to 'hit it' now and again. I don't want to make any structural changes (4 link, 9 inch), rather make the existing drive train as strong as possible. I think a drive shaft loop and half shaft loops may be a bit much but better safe than sorry? I have also added a rear end suspension kit.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 800
Likes: 3
From: Idaho
Depends on what your running for tires and how well they transmit power to the ground. The weak link in your system now will be the rear end, especially the posi window which had a tendency to crack near where the ring gear bolts up. Toms differentials had an article in Hot Rod magazine a few months back which outlines bullett proofing the Corvette rear end. This can get expensive for a street driven car.
My car is a 67, injected 502, 530 hp, 575 ft/lbs torque. I've done all the upgrades like you, I run a stock 3:36 posi and the stock M21 Muncie. The only thing that keeps me from breaking parts at the strip is I run street tires which go up in smoke for the first 60 feet. Best time to date is 12.9, 114 mph. My 2.3 60 ft times hurt over all times, but I drove to the strip and drove home with no breakage. Next time out I will try a set of Drag radials. If something breaks it's time to upgrade.
Good luck with your car.
Russ
My car is a 67, injected 502, 530 hp, 575 ft/lbs torque. I've done all the upgrades like you, I run a stock 3:36 posi and the stock M21 Muncie. The only thing that keeps me from breaking parts at the strip is I run street tires which go up in smoke for the first 60 feet. Best time to date is 12.9, 114 mph. My 2.3 60 ft times hurt over all times, but I drove to the strip and drove home with no breakage. Next time out I will try a set of Drag radials. If something breaks it's time to upgrade.
Good luck with your car.
Russ
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Riverdale GA
Originally Posted by Russ T Gate
Depends on what your running for tires and how well they transmit power to the ground. .......
Russ
Russ
Oh yeah....VERY impressive powerplant and times to match. 
Last edited by 1963SplitWindow; Aug 8, 2005 at 03:56 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 8,220
Likes: 208
Originally Posted by 1963SplitWindow
I am running Goodrich G-Force KDW's on 20" Torq Thruster II's, I will never take the car to the track. I am running a stock rear end with the same 3.36 gear. I just want to be able to smoke the tires without tearing anything up. Nothing to serious and a rare occassion at that...the tires actually cost more than the rims. Oh yeah....VERY impressive powerplant and times to match.
Oh yeah....VERY impressive powerplant and times to match. You're definately on the right track. If you want to improve the 3rd memember get on of Tom's 12-bolt differentials and you'll be good to smoke all the tires you like!
You can also ask Tom about other possible modifications...http://www.tomsdifferentials.com/cat20.htm
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 800
Likes: 3
From: Idaho
Damon
Based on the inprovements you've made and the tires your running I don't think you'll have any failures if you drive the car the way you say you will. All this is based on a transmission and rear end that has been serviced and inspected and is in good condition. Have fun and let the rubber fly.
Russ
ps. thanks for the nice comments on my car.
Based on the inprovements you've made and the tires your running I don't think you'll have any failures if you drive the car the way you say you will. All this is based on a transmission and rear end that has been serviced and inspected and is in good condition. Have fun and let the rubber fly.
Russ
ps. thanks for the nice comments on my car.
