I have a 2000 trans am with 540rwhp. the rearend has a ta girdle on it and 3:73 gears, should I beef it up. I dont want to spend $2k on my rear end what can I put in it to make it stronger. Thanks Matt

 

I have two comments:

1. A rear end can hold up to ANY amount of power, depending on how to drive the car. Traction is what kills rear ends. If you had a 540RWHP car and hard plastic tires on the car and just spun the tires all the time, the rear end wouldnt likely break. Driving a high HP car around town like a little old lady with slow takeoffs isnt going to put much stress on it either. However, putting drag radials or slicks on the car and launching it at the track could snap it instantly. So, to answer your question, it depends on how your car is setup and how you drive it.

2. 400 RWHP cars are pretty easy to build, a 540 RWHP one takes a bit of work and money. Anyone who would take the time and money to build a 540 RWHP shouldnt have a problem spending $2500 on a new rear end to handle the power....just my opinion.

 

not very long, hopefully you have an automatic.

 

there is someone in town with 650hp on spray with an auto and stock rear.... he also runs on slicks at the track and pull's 1.4-1.5 all day so idk

 

i agree completely with you here tybrne has bolt in 12 bolts for like 2200 with all the options and im sure it costed over 5 grand to get a 540hp motor at least at the wheels unless your running a 200 shot...

lata
Bill

 

I agree with the above. If you're making that much power why wouldnt you want the stronger rear? My friends 02 Z28 broke his 10-bolt rear on drag radials. SLP longtubes, lid, 1.85 RRs, and Borla are his mods so that gives you an idea of his power level ie. not close to 540rwhp by a longshot. Get the power to the ground, go 12-bolt or 9".

 

I don't think it will survive long even behind an auto trans with a stall. As stated above, you have the power to break that rear with good traction. I have been lucky so far, but I also spin a lot. The T/A girdle will help, but only slightly as the 7.5 10-bolt is just not up to the task.

 

7 5/8" rears will take a considerable amount of abuse behind AUTOMATIC trannies. There is an LS1 guy at my local track running 10.8's pulling the front tires on the stock rearend (A4). My friend with a 92 S10 with a 383 in it cuts 1.57 60 foots on a 2 year old 7 5/8" rearend. He bought an s10 Blazer, swapped a 4.3 and a muncie 4 speed in it, and broke the Blazer's 7 1/2" rearend on his first power shift .

 

would it happen to be a firehawk???

 

No, SS Camaro.

 

My SS puts down 540 RWHP SAE-corrected with an unlocked converter on the NX 150 HP shot. It was good for a 1.44 60' and 10.85 @ 122.7 MPH with a density altitude of 6,500 ft. I've yet to run the 150 HP shot at a sea-level track. The 10.68 @ 125 MPH in my sig was on the 100 HP shot at the Texas Motorplex with 1,100 ft. D.A. This was through the 7.5" 10-bolt with 3.73's and a TA girdle. I managed to run a handful of 10-second passes on the 10-bolt, and I actually did not have any problems from it. I ended up freshening it up and selling it; I'll have the 12-bolt in the car by early next week.

The automatics can take quite a bit more of abuse than the six-speeds can. We're able to pre-load the suspension and drivetrain, so it does not shock the rearend NEAR as much as a six-speed car does. You'll certainly be better off with a 12-bolt or 9" rearend. We carry the Moser 12-bolts and 9" rearends, and we will price-match anyone. Feel free to give me a call, and I'll be glad to help you set it up for your wants and needs.

Thanks!

Trevor
Texas Speed & Performance

 

All day until it breaks.

 

he has been running it for about 2 years now hitting 1.6's and under....

 

That is good. I just wouldn't use him as an example...more like a lucky or blessed one. My friend blew his rear end on z with slicks and 384 to the wheels. It worked fine for almost a year until that one day. 2 years is a long time and he definitely got more than his money worth out of the rear end.

 

I've seen some stock (meaning housing) rear's take a lot of track abuse. I agree with most people who posted here, that if you spent the $$$ to get 540 rwhp, why skimp on the rear end? If you want to stay with the stock unit, I'd upgrade with an aftermarket posi, bigger axles, as well as an arp bolt kit for the ring gear and the carrier. You already have the girdle which is good. That would probably save some cash over the 12 bolt, but the 12 bolt will pretty much live forever if setup correctly.