I live 4 blocks from the UT austin campus...know plenty about those

I am pondering what I should do with my firebird's rear end. It is the original 8.2 10 bolt with a 3.08 open. This simply will not do with whatever engine I end up putting in the car. So, I was thinking...just get a 3.36 eaton posi with richmond gears or something similar. Well, I was talkin with Lee Atkins out of Houston about a 455 engine he has and how that engine, combo-ed with a 4 speed (such as what I have) will ultimately destroy that 10 bolt. From all I have heard from other folks...and Lee, I tend to believe this will in fact happen. So...

What are my choices? The solution needs to take ease of install and PRICE into mind. I was thinking of buying a used/like new 12 bolt that is complete with brakes and axle, etc...and throwing in a 3.42 eaton into it. Thought I could do this for maybe $1500???

Any better suggestions?

Once again, I am thinking ahead, but I honestly think I will be getting to the rear of the car in the next 2 months.

Thanks.

David

I was searching through the archives here...noticed some things about Ford 9" rear ends...is that the best, easiest and most cost effective way to go? Is there a lot of mods to be done to make it fit?

i doubt you'll destroy that 3.08 unless you manage to get the tires to hook.

if the engine simply wont run at low RPM, and you need a low rear, you might go for a Ford 9", but unless you drop some serious jack in the suspension and tires, it will never hook anyway. if it does, you might want a roll cage, or at the very least, SF connectors.

If it doesn't hook, the majority of the wear is going to the tires anyway... but SF connectors wouldn't be a bad idea either way.

the 3.08/4spd could do fine in a street/highway application, esp if you get a cover which holds the carrier bearing caps in place.

my opinion

Hey Scott...thanks for the reply. Well, I dont plan on keeping the 3.08 regardless. at the very least I would like to step it up to a 3.36 posi. With that in mind, and a 4 speed...with hopefuly an engine that will produce considerable torque...do you think this rear end will hold?

David

your best answer may come from someone with a 455.

if you plan on getting the tires to hook up, you might want a 9".

Well, I am torn between this 455 because it is a great offer...and a 440 (you know the 400/428 crank combo) that I originally wanted and have someone holding onto a 400 block for me. Anyways....I don't really plan on racing it. I mean, it might make to the track a few times...but I definitely want to to launch pretty well. Trying to build one of those cars that is good at everything (1/4, handling, highway chase scenes with Texas state troopers in the dust hahaha), but probably not GREAT at just one thing.

David

David , ask Drew what he runs in his w the 455...

I ran a 428 with a 150 HP Nitrous set up and I got my tires to hook good enough to raise both front tires just a tad off the track. My stock Pontiac 10 bolt posi held up just fine after a 100 or so passes and many pounds of Nitrous. The guy I sold the car to years ago still cruises it all around Michigan with no residual rear end problems. The trick with a Pontiac ten bolt is to keep it tight. Slop magnifies stress to the Nth degree. I ran a 3.30 gear and switched to a 4.11 to see if it was better. I got better times with the 3.30 and switched back. Anybody who needs a deal on some 4.11 gears with no wear, let me know.
Jim

I read on this site a while back that swaping the gears out for new ones by Richmond will make the 8.2 10 sturdier. Is there any truth to that comment?

Has anyone put in the Auburn posi carrier and if so, how did you like it? I think their upgrade require 3.36 or higher.

I obviously would love to keep the 10 bolt 8.2 if all possible. I dont have the money to get a new 12 bolt...such as a moser or whatever. Anymore feedback would be great!

Ihave a auburn posi in mine.
It work's fine although it does whine a very little bit.
So little you have to listen for it to hear it.

do you have a wide ratio or close ratio 4-speed. makes a big difference on rear gear selection.

I believe what I have is the original muncie 4 speed. It was originally a 350 2 barrel car...so I suspect it is an M-20?? So wide ratio? I am leaning towards the 3.36.

3.36 is perfect. Your 455 will love it. Plenty of low end torque, no need for high RPM. Blow those high revving Chevy bombs off the track! Make em wish they had another gear.
Jim

Haha, well...I dont have the engine yet! But I am thinking that it would be the best thing to do...considering my goals, the cost of building my dream egine (the 440) etc.

Fbody69 nailed it. If the posi is "loose", you'll have one tire grap while doing a burnout, and you'll blow a spider gear and/or the pinion shaft, and the shrapnel will take out the gears & carrier.

On everyday street tires, the 8.2 will probably last. With large sticky tires combined with a manual tranny and a torque-monster 455, though, driveline weaknesses are quickly exposed!

I've personally blown up my 8.2, exploded a u-joint, and totally disintegrated the internals of a torque converter, along my journey to the mid-11's :-)

Lee Atkinson

I copied this from the camaro site.

My 9" is out of a 77-78 Lincoln Varsalies. All jokes aside, I did nothing to the perches or the driveshaft! Its about 1-1/4 narrower on each side than the stock GM rear. Has the factory Ford disc still on it too. The only thing I changed was I bought new Calipers, pads and rotors for it and changed the 3rd member for a better one. The brake line adapter is located on the driver side axle tube. You will need to do some brake line changes. I ran a braided flex line over to that location. My car was mini tubbed and the only thing I can think you may have a problem with is using the stock shock locations if you are using them.