rear diff?
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
rear diff?
Hi im new here i have a 76 vette that i am building for street and strip use.my question is how much hp can my stock rear end hold and what are the weak parts? oh one more i have not yet taken it apart is the ring gear 8.5 inch and are all vette rears posi? thanks Josh
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 30
From: Oak Harbor WA
How much HP isn't really the limiting factor, but more about how you launch the car and what type of traction additives are you using (ET streets, etc). It isn't the power that kills the diffs, it is the shock they endure during hard launches....most of the time.
You will need to post your planned power level to give those with experience more details.
My opinion is the weakest link in a stock configuration is the ujoints and axle-shafts.
You will need to post your planned power level to give those with experience more details.
My opinion is the weakest link in a stock configuration is the ujoints and axle-shafts.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 782
Likes: 1
From: Magic Valley ID
To the best of MY knowledge, and please correct me if I'm wrong, there was no difference in the rear ends in a 350 vs. 454....except maybe the gear ratio. Sort of gives you an idea that they can handle quite a bit of the 'ol horsepower. But as stated above....you start hooking up the power and dumping that into the drivetrain, something is bound to give out. If it's mechanical, it CAN break! 
Deja
Deja
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
I am aware of the launch and torque factors however i am un aware of the weak links of a Corvette. I will most likley run some et streets or slicks with a 350 tran. 3500 stall looking to run low 13 high 12s
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,404
Likes: 791
From: Redondo Beach, California
......no expert, but if you do a search, I think you'll find that with an auto transmission and street tires, the stock rear end will tolerate any power level. The saving feature is that the rear wheels will break loose and spin before anything will break. BUt that's just what I've read.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 288
Likes: 0
From: Schaumburg Illinois
The guys at Vansteel have told me the stock rear end can hold 500 to 550 HP. I too agree that if you don't have good traction the tires will fry long before you hurt the rear end gears or u-joints. Vansteel says if you want to run big power the recommend their 30 spline i think inner axles, of course.
