Help with thinking ahead...

[RancidCamaro]

Here is my problem - I have 3.08s with an open diffy and I want to convert to 3.42s with LSD.

However, down the road (maybe a year from now after I have money saved up), I plan on doing the V8 swap. So, as far as my knowledge goes, I am told I need to strengthen the rear end.

What do I need to do to the rear end to make it strong enough to handle the power of a V8 that is going to be modded? Any general recommendations on switching the differential?

All input is welcome.

[RallyRed 98]

i don't know how much you'll really need to "strengthen" it unless you start putting all kinds of power adders on top of the LS1. the 10 bolt is actually pretty good and adding LSD, from what i have seen, solves a lot of the problems associated with the 10 bolt, especially noise.

BUT, you could always start with a stud girdle after 3.42s and LSD. they're cheap insurance and make it especially easy to change diff fluid.

[RancidCamaro]

I'm not familiar with a stud girdle.. what is it? Where would you find one?

[RallyRed 98]

http://www.slponline.com/view_produc...RTNUMBER=65004

that's the AAM version

http://www.thunderracing.com/catalog...ories&pcid=210

and the TA version

you are adding rigidity and reducing heat... and whenever you reduce heat you are stretching out the life of your components :D

[AlienInv8r]

You've got the same rear end as in any LS1 car, and with the take-off LSD you'll have the same differential. You would probably want a 1-piece DS if you dont already have one. But after the swap you'd have basically what LS1 cars come with stock plus the 3.42s since that was also an added option. So you'd be ahead of the game in some respects. You'd be good for quite some time unless you were putting some serious power and stress down on the rear, but the girdle would definitely help extend it's life some also.

[RancidCamaro]

Thanks a lot for the help guys - '99 was the year when they went back to the one piece driveshaft, so I shouldn't have to worry about that. I'll probably look into getting that stud girdle, if for no other reason than to make changing the fluid easier. [img]smile.gif[/img]