The Weakest Link
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 486
Likes: 0
From: Point Pleasant NJ
The Weakest Link
I was wondering what you guys would rate as the weakest link in a stock C3 setup when adding more hp and torque to the engine. In other words what would be the first thing to fail given an enormous amount of additional power. Or the first thing you would change additionally to the engine upgrades.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 15,173
Likes: 86
From: State of Confusion
Re: The Weakest Link (Spook)
A small-block Chevy is a small-block Chevy (same goes for big-block cars, too); if over-stressed, the motor'll 'let-go', whether in a C3, or an Impala...
A Muncie, THM 350, or 400 is a Muncie, THM350, or 400; if abused, it'll give-up the ghost, be it in a C3, or a Chevelle.
In my opinion, the rear-end/axle-shafts is the weak-link, in stock configuration.
The IRS handles decently, but when adding enormous amount of additional power, if the tires 'hook' (especially during those 'STOP-LIGHT NATIONALS'), there are too many things that can go bad.
Just my $.02 worth...
A Muncie, THM 350, or 400 is a Muncie, THM350, or 400; if abused, it'll give-up the ghost, be it in a C3, or a Chevelle.
In my opinion, the rear-end/axle-shafts is the weak-link, in stock configuration.
The IRS handles decently, but when adding enormous amount of additional power, if the tires 'hook' (especially during those 'STOP-LIGHT NATIONALS'), there are too many things that can go bad.
Just my $.02 worth...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,842
Likes: 99
From: Orrtanna Pa.
Re: The Weakest Link (Spook)
I have three transmissions so far in mine,so my vote goes to the trans.Though not advisable I've run stock 350 lower ends to well into the 350hp range.I would have thaught the cast pistons would have let go,or the rods,but the General proved me wrong on many occasions. :chevy
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: Anaheim Caleefornia
Re: The Weakest Link (Glensgages)
A small-block Chevy is a small-block Chevy (same goes for big-block cars, too); if over-stressed, the motor'll 'let-go', whether in a C3, or an Impala...
A Muncie, THM 350, or 400 is a Muncie, THM350, or 400; if abused, it'll give-up the ghost, be it in a C3, or a Chevelle.
In my opinion, the rear-end/axle-shafts is the weak-link, in stock configuration.
The IRS handles decently, but when adding enormous amount of additional power, if the tires 'hook' (especially during those 'STOP-LIGHT NATIONALS'), there are too many things that can go bad.
Just my $.02 worth...
A Muncie, THM 350, or 400 is a Muncie, THM350, or 400; if abused, it'll give-up the ghost, be it in a C3, or a Chevelle.
In my opinion, the rear-end/axle-shafts is the weak-link, in stock configuration.
The IRS handles decently, but when adding enormous amount of additional power, if the tires 'hook' (especially during those 'STOP-LIGHT NATIONALS'), there are too many things that can go bad.
Just my $.02 worth...
There are quite a few parts available to build them up. I have read a few build-up articles in the magazines over the years.
It ju$t take$ lot$ of dollar$.
Best of luck,
SharkPilot :steering:
Racer
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 467
Likes: 1
From: Dayton Ohio
Re: The Weakest Link (aharte)
I replaced the u-joints in the halfshafts and on the driveshaft of my car with Spicers before I started making my engine more powerful. I hear that it's fairly common for a ujoint to "let go" and the results are not very pretty.
Are you considering running drag radials/slicks?
Are you considering running drag radials/slicks?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,046
Likes: 124
From: Wichita KS
Re: The Weakest Link (Spook)
I was wondering what you guys would rate as the weakest link in a stock C3 setup when adding more hp and torque to the engine. ...
