Question about the C5 Diff
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 3
From: CA
Question about the C5 Diff
Hey guys. I posted this in the C5 section but didn't get any responses so...
Are all the diffs from 1997-2004 the same as far as design and strength? Are all the diffs 3rib designs?
Just asking because i'm purchasing a spare diff and want to get the strongest of the C5 diffs.
Thanks in advance.
Are all the diffs from 1997-2004 the same as far as design and strength? Are all the diffs 3rib designs?
Just asking because i'm purchasing a spare diff and want to get the strongest of the C5 diffs.
Thanks in advance.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 18,396
Likes: 169
No, the C5 and the 2005 C6 diff are different. In GM's insanity, they gave the C6 50 more horsepower and torque, then saved $5 by designing the cases thinner (weaker). One of the biggest dumbass moves ever by GM. As the pinion attempts to turn the ring gear, it also attempts to push it outward. The case is so weak that the gears can actually accomplish the task, and push the case until it grenades, sometimes taking the tranny output shaft with it. GM realized this at the 11th hour of the introduction, and 'fixed' it by introducing a soft ware fix, called torque management, which reduces engine output in 1st and 2nd gear on 6-speed cars. It's all bull-pelosi, and GM should recall all 2005 mn6 C6's and install a proper differential. I really feel that GM stuck one in all buyers of new 2005's, as they fixed the issue with the 2006 model year cars. They knew they had a problem, and band-aid fixed it. These cars are all now out of warrenty, so it's no longer their problem.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 3
From: CA
Sorry, I probably didn't clarify my question. I know the C5 & 05C6 cases are different. I'm installing a C5 diff in my 05 C6 using a custom bracket.
My question is, are all the C5 (1997-2004) cases the same in design & strength or did they change over the yrs? Are they all 3 rib design?
My question is, are all the C5 (1997-2004) cases the same in design & strength or did they change over the yrs? Are they all 3 rib design?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,950
Likes: 264
From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
Sorry, I probably didn't clarify my question. I know the C5 & 05C6 cases are different. I'm installing a C5 diff in my 05 C6 using a custom bracket.
My question is, are all the C5 (1997-2004) cases the same in design & strength or did they change over the yrs? Are they all 3 rib design?
My question is, are all the C5 (1997-2004) cases the same in design & strength or did they change over the yrs? Are they all 3 rib design?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 3
From: CA
Here's a pic of the diff i just picked up. Looks like a 3rib to me.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,950
Likes: 264
From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
Yea looks good! I don't remember what the single ribs look like but here's a pic of a 3 rib from DTE:
http://www.dynotech-eng.com/dte_c5_diff.pdf
http://www.dynotech-eng.com/dte_c5_diff.pdf
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 3
From: CA
Hey Joe, the diff you installed on your C6...what's the power rating on it? I remember you telling me that you got it for a real good price. I'm thinking of getting this one built as a spare and I was thinking about sending it to where you got yours from.
I'll be swapping in my other C5 diff this weekend so I'll be sure to take lots of pics to do a write.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 3
From: CA
I'll be sure to change the fluids before i put mines in. If i'm not mistaken it looks as though the rear leaf spring might have to come out. IMO, that little inconvience is worth the swap. Just a PITA. Makes you want to start off with a cold beer even before you start.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,950
Likes: 264
From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
Sparo, I'm really happy with Horsepower Sales diffs, give Roger or Jeremy a call and tell them I sent you, they will give you a good deal. See the number below.
Though they are out racing today and this weekend. Jeremy Preston is currently no 1 in D Stock in the nhra south east divsion in their 03 vette!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 3
From: CA
Mike right you are! Though removing the spring isn't too bad.
Sparo, I'm really happy with Horsepower Sales diffs, give Roger or Jeremy a call and tell them I sent you, they will give you a good deal. See the number below.
Though they are out racing today and this weekend. Jeremy Preston is currently no 1 in D Stock in the nhra south east divsion in their 03 vette!
Sparo, I'm really happy with Horsepower Sales diffs, give Roger or Jeremy a call and tell them I sent you, they will give you a good deal. See the number below.
Though they are out racing today and this weekend. Jeremy Preston is currently no 1 in D Stock in the nhra south east divsion in their 03 vette!
You know I forgot to ask you one thing. I'm starting to fabricate the mount right now and realized I didn't have the rubber bushing that yours has.
Do you know if that bushing is just sandwiched in there? (Is it just a piece they stuck in between both parts)
Any ideas where I can get a piece like that?
I'm thinking if I can't find anything in time, i'm going to just try and fabricate a factory C5 mount.
Thanks
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,950
Likes: 264
From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
Looks like i'll be doing just that. Thanks for the info.
You know I forgot to ask you one thing. I'm starting to fabricate the mount right now and realized I didn't have the rubber bushing that yours has.
Do you know if that bushing is just sandwiched in there? (Is it just a piece they stuck in between both parts)
Any ideas where I can get a piece like that?
I'm thinking if I can't find anything in time, i'm going to just try and fabricate a factory C5 mount.
Thanks
You know I forgot to ask you one thing. I'm starting to fabricate the mount right now and realized I didn't have the rubber bushing that yours has.
Do you know if that bushing is just sandwiched in there? (Is it just a piece they stuck in between both parts)
Any ideas where I can get a piece like that?
I'm thinking if I can't find anything in time, i'm going to just try and fabricate a factory C5 mount.
Thanks
Mike, do you remember did Cartek send it or did you guys come up with it?
Matter of fact, Mike, could you take some pics of the mount and post them up? (my car's in for a trans replacement).
Former Vendor
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Pembroke Pines Florida
It looks like a vibration isolating bushing made of a piece of rubber, nothing special. I've seen that type of material at Grainger it seems or other supply house. I've also seen similar stuff used when pumps or motors are mounted to concrete, etc.
Mike, do you remember did Cartek send it or did you guys come up with it?
Matter of fact, Mike, could you take some pics of the mount and post them up? (my car's in for a trans replacement).
Mike, do you remember did Cartek send it or did you guys come up with it?
Matter of fact, Mike, could you take some pics of the mount and post them up? (my car's in for a trans replacement).
I think yours was a stock C5 mount. I could be wrong, i have a bad memory 
I dont see why a stock C5 mount wouldnt work.I will post pics on monday.
Last edited by Mike@hpsflorida; Oct 16, 2009 at 11:46 PM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,950
Likes: 264
From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
Former Vendor
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Pembroke Pines Florida
Sorry joe i really couldnt get a good pic with that hatch in the way.. why do you have that on your vette anyways??????
here is what i got
the mount is not a stock mount, it came with that "kit" we got.
i will be sure to take lots of pics before i put it all back together.
here is what i got
the mount is not a stock mount, it came with that "kit" we got.
i will be sure to take lots of pics before i put it all back together.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 3
From: CA
Hey Joe,
I finally finished all the fabrication on my car. She's back and running now. Took the whole wknd to finish it but it's done. I tried to take plenty of pics but towards the end I started getting a little frustrated because things just weren't going right so I stopped taking pics.
I'm working on the write-up right now and I should be done tomorrow. I couldn't find the rubber spacer I needed so I ended up using a Energy Suspension Poly trans mount and fabricated around it. You'll see once I get the pics up.
I finally finished all the fabrication on my car. She's back and running now. Took the whole wknd to finish it but it's done. I tried to take plenty of pics but towards the end I started getting a little frustrated because things just weren't going right so I stopped taking pics.
I'm working on the write-up right now and I should be done tomorrow. I couldn't find the rubber spacer I needed so I ended up using a Energy Suspension Poly trans mount and fabricated around it. You'll see once I get the pics up.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,950
Likes: 264
From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
Hey Joe,
I finally finished all the fabrication on my car. She's back and running now. Took the whole wknd to finish it but it's done. I tried to take plenty of pics but towards the end I started getting a little frustrated because things just weren't going right so I stopped taking pics.
I'm working on the write-up right now and I should be done tomorrow. I couldn't find the rubber spacer I needed so I ended up using a Energy Suspension Poly trans mount and fabricated around it. You'll see once I get the pics up.
I finally finished all the fabrication on my car. She's back and running now. Took the whole wknd to finish it but it's done. I tried to take plenty of pics but towards the end I started getting a little frustrated because things just weren't going right so I stopped taking pics.
I'm working on the write-up right now and I should be done tomorrow. I couldn't find the rubber spacer I needed so I ended up using a Energy Suspension Poly trans mount and fabricated around it. You'll see once I get the pics up.