C5 corvette replacement differential
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 17
Likes: 1
From: Maine
C5 corvette replacement differential
I am looking at buy a c5 corvette thats needs a new differential, I was wondering on average how much will it cost after labor. Is it possible I can buy a used but functioning differential from a parted out corvette? I live in Maine so any suggestions to someone who could do the replacement for a reasonable price would also be appreciated.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 901
From: Nappytown MD
IRT to buying a used rearend diff, it will depend heavily on what ratio you want-
Is the car an Auto? If/when you change the rear end ratio you will need to have the tune modified (especially for WOT) so your shift points will be right versus speed etc.
When I bought my 3.42SP for my car last year, I got it for 1200. Really the cost will depend on ratio and mileage of the donor. Whatever you buy, I would spend the money to have it gone through to make sure it is good to go. You could expect to pay anywhere from 500-1500, again depending on ratio and condition.
I bought mine off a wrecked Z in FL. Cost me ~150 shipping to get it to me. If you can find one with shipping included, that's a score.
Or buy one and have it set up to what ever ratio you want, or even get the stocker re-built? If you do buy one, you want a "3 rib" versus the older single rib diff case. They are stronger.
Is the car an Auto? If/when you change the rear end ratio you will need to have the tune modified (especially for WOT) so your shift points will be right versus speed etc.
When I bought my 3.42SP for my car last year, I got it for 1200. Really the cost will depend on ratio and mileage of the donor. Whatever you buy, I would spend the money to have it gone through to make sure it is good to go. You could expect to pay anywhere from 500-1500, again depending on ratio and condition.
I bought mine off a wrecked Z in FL. Cost me ~150 shipping to get it to me. If you can find one with shipping included, that's a score.
Or buy one and have it set up to what ever ratio you want, or even get the stocker re-built? If you do buy one, you want a "3 rib" versus the older single rib diff case. They are stronger.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 17
Likes: 1
From: Maine
Do I have to get the tune modified if I get a differential with the same gear ratio as the current one? The car I am looking at is a ‘99 auto.
Last edited by Vetteman Jack; Aug 11, 2024 at 05:09 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,688
Likes: 692
From: Pingree Grove IL
I did mine like 2 years ago, it’s an RPM stage 2, 3.73 gears, there not cheap, but worth it if you plan on keeping the car. Install and tune was about 850.00. And while your in there, I had them do a stall converter, again, not cheap. You can look up the cost of parts yourself. My converter is a Yank super stock series 3200, great for daily driving, and no converter whine on a road course. And while you’re in there, trans cooler will help. Shipping of a differential one way is about 150, plus tax.
Love the 3.73, 0-60mph is crazy especially with my nitto drag radials. I never do a highway pull, no thanks, not going to jail. So the 3.73 is great.
Love the 3.73, 0-60mph is crazy especially with my nitto drag radials. I never do a highway pull, no thanks, not going to jail. So the 3.73 is great.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 691
Likes: 317
From: NW OH
If you have a stock auto with the 2.73 a replacement rear end is cheap and can be found in good shape, a mechanic can swap it in and no tuning is required. I think you are getting answers to a different question from what you asked.
I'm a little concerned why it needs to be replaced tho, especially if the car is stock otherwise it would take quite some abuse or a ton of miles to kill the diff.
I'm a little concerned why it needs to be replaced tho, especially if the car is stock otherwise it would take quite some abuse or a ton of miles to kill the diff.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 17
Likes: 1
From: Maine
Thank you, your response is very helpful. Could you give me a rough estimate on how much it would cost? Also where are some good places to buy a used diff? Would any mechanic be able to replace the diff or should it a chevy certified one?
