Need help with an 8.5 GN swap

[tuggy24g]

Hello I have a 1986 El Camino and it is basically the same as a Malibu. Anywhoo I found a guy selling a Grand Nation 8.5 rearend with posi in it. It is all stock and what I want to know is what do I have to do to make it handle 550HP. I know I need a c clip eliminator, but other then that I am not sure what else

thanks

Brad

 

[TNTS79]

8.5's are very strong rears in stock form... If you plan on running slicks, juice etc... I would look into a set of moser axles along with c-clip eliminators. The T/A aluminum covers with the bearing cap preload screws are a good investment. Running the backlash between your ring and pinion a little tighter around .006"-.008"will help a drag racing rear end be a bit stronger. The tighter you make the backlash on the rear the more temperature will build up in the housing when cruising at a steady speed...

 

[tuggy24g]

Well lets say that I go to the track like 4 times a year and most of the time go to shows. What would you say then.

 

[TNTS79]

Usually the gears will have a number stamped or etched on the ring... Might come with a set up card, I would shoot for around .010" on a street car. C-clip eliminators are prob. overkill, but I would think a T/A cover would be a step in the right direction...

 

[tuggy24g]

Thanks I will look into those

 

[grizwald]

X2 on the axles. although, i know guys running low 11's on stock 28 spline axles. i'd say you're living on borrowed time at that level though.

 

[tuggy24g]

Any companies that make good axels

 

[TNTS79]

Mosers or Strange, sure there are more... I run 30 spline mosers with c-clip elims. in my 12 bolt. Looking at getting 7.50's in the 1/8th mile, mid to upper 11's in the 1/4... Not worried about my axles taking a dump on me

 

[Doober]

If you only go to the track a few times a year, it would probably be fine with a good set of bearings/axles, and a support cover.

 

[gman415]

If you only go to the track a few times a year, it would probably be fine with a good set of bearings/axles, and a support cover.

X2 Or run it like it is and find the weak parts. j\k