Solid axle swap?
Thread Starter
AMP Racing
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,753
Likes: 587
From: Washington TWP NJ
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2017 C5 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12
Solid axle swap?
Why do drag racers of corvettes keep the IRS?
Is it to prove that with enough money, the IRS is capable of handling big power? Sure, Mark Carlyle has gone 6.5x at over 220 with an IRS, but at what cost? There are several others running 8s with IRS.
PG conversion is not anywhere near cheap.
9" IRS is even further from cheap.
Not that I expect racing to be cheap, but when you can buy the Moser C5 solid axle kit for under $7,000 with brakes, and a traditional PG trans for about $2k with a trans brake, why stay with IRS?
I'm just rambling... It's cold out...
Is it to prove that with enough money, the IRS is capable of handling big power? Sure, Mark Carlyle has gone 6.5x at over 220 with an IRS, but at what cost? There are several others running 8s with IRS.
PG conversion is not anywhere near cheap.
9" IRS is even further from cheap.
Not that I expect racing to be cheap, but when you can buy the Moser C5 solid axle kit for under $7,000 with brakes, and a traditional PG trans for about $2k with a trans brake, why stay with IRS?
I'm just rambling... It's cold out...
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 582
Likes: 1
From: Massapequa Park New York
i'd say my car is a good example of why to stay IRS. i would say roughly $2000 invested in my rearend setup. yes i've broken it a few times but havent since i've beefed it up some more
International Axle Axles
4.11 Richmond Gear Set
Eaton Posi
3" Halfshafts
polyurethane everything lol
and a few little Cupolo Tricks and Tips
best 60' with a powerglide 1.76 first gear and a 2000rpm ft brake 1.44 60'
as long as the transbrake is avoided i feel my rear will hold the power for a decent amount of time. would like to get it into the 1.3x next year
with ANY weak rear end, if you can prevent "SHOCK" it will last you
International Axle Axles
4.11 Richmond Gear Set
Eaton Posi
3" Halfshafts
polyurethane everything lol
and a few little Cupolo Tricks and Tips
best 60' with a powerglide 1.76 first gear and a 2000rpm ft brake 1.44 60'
as long as the transbrake is avoided i feel my rear will hold the power for a decent amount of time. would like to get it into the 1.3x next year
with ANY weak rear end, if you can prevent "SHOCK" it will last you
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,494
Likes: 1
From: South Jersey
Same here. I was about to dump a lot of money into my C5 to make it faster and more consistent, but I worried about how the drivetrain would hold up to the grind of a bracket racing season. Of course I ended up going in opposite directions and bought a Mustang.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,536
Likes: 15
Why do drag racers of corvettes keep the IRS?
Is it to prove that with enough money, the IRS is capable of handling big power? Sure, Mark Carlyle has gone 6.5x at over 220 with an IRS, but at what cost? There are several others running 8s with IRS.
PG conversion is not anywhere near cheap.
9" IRS is even further from cheap.
Not that I expect racing to be cheap, but when you can buy the Moser C5 solid axle kit for under $7,000 with brakes, and a traditional PG trans for about $2k with a trans brake, why stay with IRS?
I'm just rambling... It's cold out...
Is it to prove that with enough money, the IRS is capable of handling big power? Sure, Mark Carlyle has gone 6.5x at over 220 with an IRS, but at what cost? There are several others running 8s with IRS.
PG conversion is not anywhere near cheap.
9" IRS is even further from cheap.
Not that I expect racing to be cheap, but when you can buy the Moser C5 solid axle kit for under $7,000 with brakes, and a traditional PG trans for about $2k with a trans brake, why stay with IRS?
I'm just rambling... It's cold out...
IIRC, there are a couple solid axle conversions available......do you know of which companies are making them ??
I've kicked the idea around but that's one of the those mods you cant go back on...lol. IMO Its a "big" decision.....
.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 8,629
Likes: 16
From: York PA
Why?
Things evolve, if I known it would get to this point, I would've went solid in the beginning.
However, it's not just a solid rear.
It's enlarge tunnel for front mount trans
New trans, shifter, etc
Make trans support
Drive shaft & loops
Remove fuel tanks for axle support
Fuel cell & fuel system
Custom headers & x pipe to go around/under front mount trans
Just to name a few of the bigger stuff
Things evolve, if I known it would get to this point, I would've went solid in the beginning.
However, it's not just a solid rear.
It's enlarge tunnel for front mount trans
New trans, shifter, etc
Make trans support
Drive shaft & loops
Remove fuel tanks for axle support
Fuel cell & fuel system
Custom headers & x pipe to go around/under front mount trans
Just to name a few of the bigger stuff
Thread Starter
AMP Racing
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,753
Likes: 587
From: Washington TWP NJ
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2017 C5 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12
Moser and, I believe, Carroll's Rod & Racecraft make a solid axle kit for the C5.
I know I want a faster race car. Not now, but in 2-3 years, I plan to build one.
Jay, watching you, and others, progress has been a tremendous learning experience for me.
I hadn't thought about the need for custom exhaust work, but I've certainly considered the other work that's required.
My weakness is the corvette FRC body. I love it. I just need it to be bulletproof. Or at least as close as I can get.
Of course I'm rambling again. I'm really happy running the 10.0 index for now.
How long til April?
I know I want a faster race car. Not now, but in 2-3 years, I plan to build one.
Jay, watching you, and others, progress has been a tremendous learning experience for me.
I hadn't thought about the need for custom exhaust work, but I've certainly considered the other work that's required.
My weakness is the corvette FRC body. I love it. I just need it to be bulletproof. Or at least as close as I can get.
Of course I'm rambling again. I'm really happy running the 10.0 index for now.
How long til April?
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From: Providing the most proven supercharger kits for your C5/6/7 609-752-0321
We have had many customers and ourselves thoroughly break down the difference between the two dollar wise and when it's all said and done it's very close in price between the two. That also goes for the track results afterwards, some IRS cars doing consistently better actually.
(speaking of C5/C6)
(speaking of C5/C6)
Thread Starter
AMP Racing
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,753
Likes: 587
From: Washington TWP NJ
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2017 C5 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12
No question some of the irs cars are getting it done. The 60' time and ET's that have been put down are impressive.
For a while back it seemed a number of cars switched to a solid, then as parts became available, the irs became stronger and racers were sticking with it.
Still, I think, starting from scratch, for max reliability, if the class allows, the 9" solid axle is a pretty good option.
For a while back it seemed a number of cars switched to a solid, then as parts became available, the irs became stronger and racers were sticking with it.
Still, I think, starting from scratch, for max reliability, if the class allows, the 9" solid axle is a pretty good option.
Procharged F1X 7.18 @ 197
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,322
Likes: 8
From: Staten Island NY
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
Why do drag racers of corvettes keep the IRS?
Is it to prove that with enough money, the IRS is capable of handling big power? Sure, Mark Carlyle has gone 6.5x at over 220 with an IRS, but at what cost? There are several others running 8s with IRS.
PG conversion is not anywhere near cheap.
9" IRS is even further from cheap.
Not that I expect racing to be cheap, but when you can buy the Moser C5 solid axle kit for under $7,000 with brakes, and a traditional PG trans for about $2k with a trans brake, why stay with IRS?
I'm just rambling... It's cold out...
Is it to prove that with enough money, the IRS is capable of handling big power? Sure, Mark Carlyle has gone 6.5x at over 220 with an IRS, but at what cost? There are several others running 8s with IRS.
PG conversion is not anywhere near cheap.
9" IRS is even further from cheap.
Not that I expect racing to be cheap, but when you can buy the Moser C5 solid axle kit for under $7,000 with brakes, and a traditional PG trans for about $2k with a trans brake, why stay with IRS?
I'm just rambling... It's cold out...
What about the guy running 7's with the IRS.
Procharged F1X 7.18 @ 197
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,322
Likes: 8
From: Staten Island NY
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
Thread Starter
AMP Racing
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,753
Likes: 587
From: Washington TWP NJ
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2017 C5 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12
Joe, my deepest apologies. You're car is at the top of my list of awesomeness.
I'm looking forward to seeing your winter upgrades.
I have to live vicariously through you guys. My car is fun, but heads up is my passion.
Enjoy your winter gentelmen.
I'm looking forward to seeing your winter upgrades.
I have to live vicariously through you guys. My car is fun, but heads up is my passion.
Enjoy your winter gentelmen.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 680
Likes: 5
From: Denham Springs LA
i'd say my car is a good example of why to stay IRS. i would say roughly $2000 invested in my rearend setup. yes i've broken it a few times but havent since i've beefed it up some more
International Axle Axles
4.11 Richmond Gear Set
Eaton Posi
3" Halfshafts
polyurethane everything lol
and a few little Cupolo Tricks and Tips
best 60' with a powerglide 1.76 first gear and a 2000rpm ft brake 1.44 60'
as long as the transbrake is avoided i feel my rear will hold the power for a decent amount of time. would like to get it into the 1.3x next year
with ANY weak rear end, if you can prevent "SHOCK" it will last you
International Axle Axles
4.11 Richmond Gear Set
Eaton Posi
3" Halfshafts
polyurethane everything lol
and a few little Cupolo Tricks and Tips
best 60' with a powerglide 1.76 first gear and a 2000rpm ft brake 1.44 60'
as long as the transbrake is avoided i feel my rear will hold the power for a decent amount of time. would like to get it into the 1.3x next year
with ANY weak rear end, if you can prevent "SHOCK" it will last you
Do you take it apart routinely to check clearances, wear, etc?
My rear end is at Tracdoggs getting rebuilt to a super 10.
Roger
Last edited by roger3; Nov 29, 2013 at 08:09 AM. Reason: Typo
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 582
Likes: 1
From: Massapequa Park New York
How many passes have you made with your setup. Your giving me hope. My IRS went about 300 passes before I broke ring gear. I am running much slower times than you (11.6x at 117mph, 1.61 60ft).
Do you take it apart routinely to check clearances, wear, etc?
My rear end is at Tracdoggs getting rebuilt to a super 10.
Roger
Do you take it apart routinely to check clearances, wear, etc?
My rear end is at Tracdoggs getting rebuilt to a super 10.
Roger
i ran a 4.56 GM ring and pinion with stock EVERYTHING and ran low 11's @120mph for about 3 years (roughly 150 passes a year) and never broke anything with 1.60 60's
but once i changed the engine and put the car in the low 10's i broke the 4.56's and the stock axles, changed to 4.11's and put a 12bolt steel cap on the drivers side. all international hardened axles. i've run this setup for 1.5 years and havent broken anything with high 1.4 60's
HAVENT EVEN CHECKED THE REAR IN OVER A YEAR AND HALF. so i guess everything is still good lol. set my backlash at .010 and i run Redline High Shock Proof Gear Oil.
Last edited by Vettekid1992; Nov 30, 2013 at 06:07 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,687
Likes: 86
From: De Pere, WI
mine is staying IRS due to cost and it is my DD. Even though I want to run 2 9.X passes - just to say my shop has built a 9 sec DD, I probably won't push for those times once I get them. I will be more than happy running 10.5ish on motor only lol...after all, this is a full weight C5 that I drive the hell out of every day.
I will probably break again, as it will be a bit before I can redo/strengthen the diff/trans. I will be putting in an ECS trans/diff brace. I eventually will upgrade the trans/diff once I get the money to do so. Gotta get the LS3 top end swap and N2O kit bought/installed, then I can worry about rebuilding the trans I broke about a month ago. Already replaced my diff with a Z06 3rib.
I will probably break again, as it will be a bit before I can redo/strengthen the diff/trans. I will be putting in an ECS trans/diff brace. I eventually will upgrade the trans/diff once I get the money to do so. Gotta get the LS3 top end swap and N2O kit bought/installed, then I can worry about rebuilding the trans I broke about a month ago. Already replaced my diff with a Z06 3rib.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 86
Likes: 1
Why do drag racers of corvettes keep the IRS?
Is it to prove that with enough money, the IRS is capable of handling big power? Sure, Mark Carlyle has gone 6.5x at over 220 with an IRS, but at what cost? There are several others running 8s with IRS.
PG conversion is not anywhere near cheap.
9" IRS is even further from cheap.
Not that I expect racing to be cheap, but when you can buy the Moser C5 solid axle kit for under $7,000 with brakes, and a traditional PG trans for about $2k with a trans brake, why stay with IRS?
I'm just rambling... It's cold out...
Is it to prove that with enough money, the IRS is capable of handling big power? Sure, Mark Carlyle has gone 6.5x at over 220 with an IRS, but at what cost? There are several others running 8s with IRS.
PG conversion is not anywhere near cheap.
9" IRS is even further from cheap.
Not that I expect racing to be cheap, but when you can buy the Moser C5 solid axle kit for under $7,000 with brakes, and a traditional PG trans for about $2k with a trans brake, why stay with IRS?
I'm just rambling... It's cold out...
If the total cost is almost equal, as some on here claim, the choice would be easy for me...but hey, I'm not exactly impartial. That's almost all I have ever raced with.
Last edited by HotRodRed; Dec 2, 2013 at 09:20 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,494
Likes: 1
From: South Jersey
If you're going to invest time & money to race, especially Bracket Race, IMO it would be hard to match the sheer rugged nature of a straight axle 9" Ford rear. Not to mention that once you get past the initial cost of the conversion, you can find ANYTHING you want after-market for the 9" AND the 'Glide. There is also almost unlimited support base/data that is available to help you build/buy/race these pieces.
If the total cost is almost equal, as some on here claim, the choice would be easy for me...but hey, I'm not exactly impartial. That's almost all I have ever raced with.
If the total cost is almost equal, as some on here claim, the choice would be easy for me...but hey, I'm not exactly impartial. That's almost all I have ever raced with.
I've been saying the same thing to this knuckehead for years. When racing a season long points series, you can't afford to be down.