How much can the drive train take?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 268
Likes: 1
From: CT
How much can the drive train take?
I was just currious as to what your experiences have been as far as blowing trannies and rear ends. My engine is in the 500 hp range and I have my origional M20 and limited slip rear end with 3:08 gears. I did all new seals and bearings in the rear end and there is no sign of wear on any of the gears in the trainsmission or rear end. Of course I like to drive it hard and was trying to get a clue as to when things start breaking. By the way I have 295's in the rear which im sure cause more stress than when the factory tires were on it.
Kevin
Kevin
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Re: How much can the drive train take? (71vettman)
I think as long as you don't put slicks on you should be OK. It also depends on how hard you are on the car. Do you launch it at every stop light. I drive mine pretty hard and have made about 70 to 80 passes at the strip in 3 years. I blew the rear but that was because of having a spacer on teh carrier. The trans had 3rd gear go last year and now 4th is going this year. If you drive it hard things are going to break or wear out. I do have solid ujoints so they are in good shape
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,909
Likes: 26
From: Clymer PA
Re: How much can the drive train take? (71vettman)
295s are big street tires but I don't see anything wrong with running them. As Gordon said, once you start "slicking" the car, that's when things will really start to break. By slicking the car you planting the majority of that power to the pavement.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 936
Likes: 0
From: Chicago Illinois
Re: How much can the drive train take? (71vettman)
I broke my stock rear end with a ~450 hp 383 running on regular old 255/60/15s, with a bone stock suspension. I do have a rather abusive driving style, and I took it to the track a few times and ran a 12.8 @ 108. I have since upgraded to a somewhat built 4.11 pumpkin with some other suspension upgrades as well. The rear started making a real loud whining noise, and got worse and worse until I took it out. I haven't taken it apart to see what broke yet.
Rob
