3rd gen camaro rearend
 

Did GM ever put a bigger rear in a 3rd gen Camaro than the 7.5 in. that's in my 90 IROC?

Re: 3rd gen camaro rearend
 

Mike,

no, and it would have been a great thing if they had.

For a stocker build a 12 bolt housing bolt in upgrade is the usual option.

Re: 3rd gen camaro rearend
 

So I 'll have to go aftermarket, Moser, Strange. Are those legal for stock?

Re: 3rd gen camaro rearend
 

Some Pontiac Firebirds, and Trans Ams came with a 9 bolt "Australian" rearend, which I think was a Dana 44 .

Re: 3rd gen camaro rearend
 

Mike,

aftermarket replacement housings are OK.

Re: 3rd gen camaro rearend
 

There was actually a Dana 44 availalbe for a short period of time in the '83-'86 time frame. I have seen a couple, but they were OTC and few were sold.

Re: 3rd gen camaro rearend
 

the aussy 9 bolt is stronger than you would think, in 88/89 I had strange make a set of axles for it, lack of gear ratios was a downfall but the car did run well into the nine sec range at almost 145 mph at 3700#'s

unless the car has it already (the OP does not) I would not waste my time with that though when better housing choice are available

Re: 3rd gen camaro rearend
 

Thanks guys for the info. I have all winter to think about a rear end for this thing, it's one of the last things I'll have to do anyway.

Re: 3rd gen camaro rearend
 

If you can find a 69',70' Chevelle rear end they will fit with a little fabrication. They are an inch shorter backing plate to backing plate than a stock Camaro 7.5. I went this route when money was tight 15 years ago. If you have the money just go with an aftermarket piece. I used the stock axles and mini spool with steel caps for a couple years then went to Moser axles and spool. As I remember the cost then with mounting and rear end cost was $540 before the mini spool that used the stock carrier. Good Guys Race Cars in Houston did the work.

Re: 3rd gen camaro rearend
 

How strong is the 7.5 rear end? will it stand up to a 305? The lowest gear I can find for it is a 4.56, not sure if that'll be enough.

Re: 3rd gen camaro rearend
 

you won't find more than 4.56, wish there were

Re: 3rd gen camaro rearend
 

Remember a Camaro/Firebird LT1 shoot out at Englishtown mid 90s.
Had a bolt on class, cam only, head cam, stroker heads up classes.
All still using the 7.5 rear and making it last.
Got old magazine issues that showed how they made them work.

Today you can get a complete Moser 12 bolt.
With heavy duty brand new everything for about $2000.
It is a good long term investment for a dedicated race car.

D

Re: 3rd gen camaro rearend
 

Because the Dana 44 came in 83-86 Camaro's I could use one in the 85 camaro i will be starting? Correct?

Will Lamprecht
1965 I/sA Impala
85 Camaro W/SA TBI L4 possible

Re: 3rd gen camaro rearend
 

Yes, but finding one will be a chore. AFAIK none were installed assembly line. They were sold OTC and will be very rare.

Re: 3rd gen camaro rearend
 

I think the Aussie built , Dana 44 were only found in Pontiac Formula's and Trans Am's . Camaro's used the 7.5 which was later upgraded to a 7 5/8 . At the junkyard, you would be wasting your time looking under a Camaro. There was one on Detroit Craigslist just last week, so you should be able to find one .

Re: 3rd gen camaro rearend
 

The 9 bolt came in 5.7 Formula Firebirds for sure ,got one on the driveway. By time I got my 305 running in my 83' Camaro it had a 2.75 low gear trans, 5.13 gears, and a 5200 stall converter. If you think you can throw that, and slicks, at a 7.5 and not worry about it about it I would say you are fooling yourself. And that engine dyno'd at 345 hp, there's a good chance you will make more. Go with the Chevelle 12-bolt if you don't have the money for a complete Moser, you won't find the gear you want with a 9 bolt. I might still go to the Moser in my car. Build the suspension in the car solid, you might want to do something different with it later as life situations and locations change. I got a 385 Vortec head SBC in mine now and bracket race it.

Re: 3rd gen camaro rearend
 

Now the 9 bolt or 7.5 might hold up to a L4, but I don't know what's needed to get one moving. The L4 Camaros were real dogs, maybe got good mileage though.

Re: 3rd gen camaro rearend
 

I run C/ps and use 7 5/8 rear end. Made it 75 passes at 1.60 60 ft times on stock posi with 4.56 gears, jegs axles, rear support cover, a quality gear. Broke Posi Gears. Then put in a Detroit tru trac and have put 45 more passes on it with 60s in the 1.55. Run 12.40s in qtr. 7 5/8 has less drag then a 12 bolt or equal. Lots of guys are going low 11s with an auto.


This is on 3rd gen.org under drivetrain parts
In Illinois

http://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thir...0ea4d5e50a.jpg
I have a Dana 44 rear 3:92 gears fresh built posi unit ,new clutches new set of stock axles ..


new wheel bearings

has lower control arm relocation brackets installed , chrome cover

I am considering selling it or trading it locally will not ship .. trying to Gauge interest

$ 1550.. or better I do not NEED to sell it don't bother low-balling me not going to happen

I also have a new set of DANA 44 4:56 gears with install kit and gaskets $200 or best offer


if can not sell it here it goes ebay ...

Re: 3rd gen camaro rearend
 

I'm not sure how to tell which rear is in this car, 7.5 or 7 5/8. I'm thinking about bracing the housing, putting a gear in it, c-clip eliminators, and a girdle cover and running it. If money was no object I'd go with the strange 12 bolt housing, which it might come to later.

Re: 3rd gen camaro rearend
 

I ran my Camaro for several years with a completely stock 7.5 running low 14's. When I got to mid 13's I upgraded to a auburn posi and Richmond gears and then broke the rear end in no time. I would just get a 12 bolt.

Re: 3rd gen camaro rearend
 

If you build a competitive 305 you will definitely break the 7.5 rear.We have twisted the splines off Strange 33 spline axles with a J/SA car.Plus you will need 5:13 gears.Do it right the first time it's cheaper.

Re: 3rd gen camaro rearend
 

I guess I better start saving up my money and do it right the first time.

Re: 3rd gen camaro rearend
 

As Lee said, do it right the first time its cheaper in the long run. Strange and Moser makes several combo's for the F-Body cars. Baught mine at S&W race cars. they also sale the torque arm, subframe connectors etc for 82'/92 Camaros that work good. I have that set up on my 1985camaro im building for Stock eleminator.

Re: 3rd gen camaro rearend
 

I've already decided to go with either a Moser or
Strange and I've been using S&W stuff for a long time. It's very likely I might put a 350 in it later and move up to I or H and I know that little rear end wouldn't hold up to that.