C4 drivetrain question?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 947
Likes: 0
From: Middletown N.Y.
C4 drivetrain question?
I'm gonna put a 550HP SBC in my 89 C4 and was wondering if the rest of the drivetrain will be upto the task. I've got a Art Carr 700R4 ( I've never used a 700R4 behind this much power and although Art Carr claims it will last I'm kinda skeptical) also I have Denny's driveshaft and halfshafts with a otherwise stock D44's with 3.45:1's. Anyone see a weak link? I'll be shifting at around 6500 top's and mostly on DRadials. I'm considering the much stronger Th400 along with a 2.56:1 rear gear which would actually give me 2 speeds for the quarter and third would act like an OD gear, but I'm concerned about how much this would slow the car down versus the 700R4/3.45:1 combo. Any suggestions from 700R4 owners? :confused:
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,148
Likes: 1
From: Chandler AZ
Re: C4 drivetrain question? (JUAN J SANCHEZ)
Sounds good. Make sure you have bulletproof U-joints everywhere (and no grease fittings). Also check your rear wheel bearings. While you're at it, has the diff oil ever been changed? I like the Redline shock-proof 90/140 wt for puttin that kind of power to the ground. One more idea- the ZFdoc drive beam reinforcements will help keep things aligned under heavy torque.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 947
Likes: 0
From: Middletown N.Y.
Re: C4 drivetrain question? (gcrouse)
Thanks! I'll look into the ZFdoc beam supports. I will be putting new rear wheel bearings and new fluid also. The RWHP will be around 440.Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 9,713
Likes: 3
From: Sachse Texas
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: C4 drivetrain question? (JUAN J SANCHEZ)
I would not worry about the outer spindles with Drag Radials and an automatic. Usually they are a problem with slicks, high rpm launches, and stick shifts. I would say the weak link is Art Carr, or at least his trannies.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,108
Likes: 126
From: S.L.C. UT
Re: C4 drivetrain question? (jburnett)
I am a firm believer in cryoed parts. I dump the clutch at 5500-6000 rpm with slicks, and run low 1.5 60 ft times and nothing breaks. It amazes me how much abuse it will take.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 947
Likes: 0
From: Middletown N.Y.
Re: C4 drivetrain question? (tpi 421 vette)
I'm gonna send you (jburnett) my valve springs and the I don't know what they call 'em splined shaft that ties the diff to the half shafts, why not the spindles? What is it exactly I have to have cryoed?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 2,875
Likes: 0
From: Olive Branch (Memphis suburb) MS
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: C4 drivetrain question? (tkrussell)
Thomas, get in touch with jburnett (Jeb), he'll let you know exactly what's needed and he is not to far from you (Little Rock). badvette@prodigy.net
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,338
Likes: 0
From: Fontana CA
Re: C4 drivetrain question? (JUAN J SANCHEZ)
Art Carr claims it will last
(877)Art-Carr, (877) 278-2277
The guy in Texas started using Art's name while Art was still retired. I do not know much about the guy in Texas but you have to wonder about someone that is standing on someone else's reputation.
