C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

How much power can the IRS handle typically?

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Old Dec 28, 2002 | 10:29 AM
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Default How much power can the IRS handle typically?

How much hp or tq does the rear of the C4 usually handle before it runs the risks of letting go.........what are the typical means of reinforcment?
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Old Dec 28, 2002 | 06:19 PM
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Default Re: How much power can the IRS handle typically? (v7guy)

it was designed for a max of 450 #ft of torque :chevy
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Old Dec 28, 2002 | 09:35 PM
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Default Re: How much power can the IRS handle typically? (clem zahrobsky)

And the typical means of reinforcement are new, upgraded driveline components.

Steel halfshafts, billet spindles, heavier u-joints, etc.
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Old Dec 30, 2002 | 12:05 AM
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Default Re: How much power can the IRS handle typically? (v7guy)

You go over about 450tq, youll start twisting half-shafts and snapping U-joints.

Ive seen halfshafts get twisted on a Supercharged vette once before. :eek:
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Old Dec 30, 2002 | 03:20 PM
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Default Re: How much power can the IRS handle typically? (v7guy)

theres a guy up here running a stock irs and the car had made just under 1100rwhp the car went 8:40@174 mph. it was nuts!!!
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Old Dec 30, 2002 | 03:28 PM
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Default How much power can the IRS handle typically?

It seems to be hit or miss. Our own forum drag veteran Beach Bum has one,and has reported NO problems with hundreds of passes(all in the 11's@117 mph)

On the other hand, new92racer's green meanie with nearly 562 foot pounds on tap(according to it's previous owner on torque output) routinely makes half shafts a "little"more candy cane like.

Simply put; in regards to the lifespan of a 44"How far can you pull the pin from the grenade" :cheers:


[Modified by JD 90 383, 3:30 PM 12/30/2002]
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Old Dec 31, 2002 | 10:37 AM
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Default Re: How much power can the IRS handle typically? (v7guy)

There are PLENTY of 600+ HP cars out there with stock D44 pumpkins in them doing very well. Where the IRS comes up short is the half-shafts & outer spindles.

Get a set of bullet-proof shafts, some of those VERY nice billet outer spindles (axles) and the hardened inner spindles (axles) from Tom's Differential's and you should be good for a long time.
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Old Dec 31, 2002 | 12:27 PM
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Default Re: How much power can the IRS handle typically? (Joe90)

I think that what everyone has forgotten to mention is that it depends on the application. You could have a 1000hp car with crappy tires that don't hook and you wuold never have to worry about the rear end, but if you bolt a set of slicks on that another matter....... :yesnod:

BTW I don't know kyself, but the rear end's gotta be rated at more than 450 ft/lbs becuase the B2K's were putting out more that 600 at the end. Unless they changed something that I don't know about.
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Old Dec 31, 2002 | 12:43 PM
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Default Re: How much power can the IRS handle typically? (Chief Muktar)

you are correct about the tires because when we ran 9 inch slicks with a 433 cu in tunnel ram the rear was not a problem with the correct mods but when we went to 11/12 inch slicks we had to go to a ford 9 inch rear. this was a 9.50 second car
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Old Dec 31, 2002 | 01:26 PM
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Default Re: How much power can the IRS handle typically? (clem zahrobsky)

Like I said...with the right modifications an IRS CAN stand up to high HP applications.

I know a Lingenfelter 415 ZR1 and a Twin-turbo ZR1 both running M&H Racemaster 12" slicks and doing fine.

These are both 700+ HP cars running some seriously fast times. The entire D44 is stock except for the hardened inner shafts and bullet-proof axles.

The Turbo LT5 just got a set of those billet outer axles installed. He was getting some twist on the stock units :yesnod: Hasn't had it back to the track yet, but I'm, sure they'll be just fine.

The 415 is deceased :( He ran it off the end of the strip and rolled it a few times the end of the summer.


[Modified by Joe90, 12:28 PM 12/31/2002]
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Old Dec 31, 2002 | 02:48 PM
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Default Re: How much power can the IRS handle typically? (v7guy)

Most of the guys with six speed stroker motor LT-1's that I know usually bust something when they launch at 3000+ RPM's with slicks and a stage 3 level clutch. Your putting about 400LBS of Torque to the wheels at 3000 RPM's. Regular street tires or Drag Radials at 25PSI helps since you cannot really launch over 3000 RPM without alot of spin. Have a two stage rev limiter set at 3000 RPM's which also seems to help at launch.
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Old Dec 31, 2002 | 07:54 PM
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Default Re: How much power can the IRS handle typically? (v7guy)

Chief ,JD and Clem said it best.....tires/application.
The words bullet proof and aluminum when used to describe a D44 is entertaining. :lurk: I have broken the so called bullet proof parts from that dude Tom. :lol: (he calls everyone dude). New92racer broke some high dollar "bullet proof" half shafts.
I have seem high hp cars make it down the track as well. They are running lots of air pressure and overpowering the tires. Lower the tire pressure to 12-15psi and ....BAM.
No matter what the hp level, if you have dreams of posting 1.6 and quicker 60' times...be prepared to break aluminum.
Good luck. You will need lots of it racing a D44.


[Modified by wheelsup, 7:03 PM 12/31/2002]
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