Old96er

Hi there!

I have a 1996 Camaro Sport Coupe with the 3800. It has the standard 3.08:1 axle. Performance is adequate but I would like a little more poke out of the car.

I have found a 3.23 rear end out of a 1994 Z-28. Question, is there any performance benefit to my swapping this axle into my car? It's the GU5 axle.

Also, would I need to change my drive shaft?

Thanks in advance for any insight!

Charley

FirstYrLS1Z

3.08 to 3.23 will increase torque to the pavement by 5%,not really a huge increase. Probably similar to the increase in power felt by cooler weather with a denser air/fuel charge. Will you feel it,yes. Will you feel it was worth it,maybe not.
You'd have to make sure the rear is 'channel' compatible with the channel system of the car. 3 channel is ABS(1 sensor on top of rear),4 channel is ABS and Traction Control(1 sensor at each rear wheel-2 sensors). 1996 could have 3channel or 4channel,1994 rear could only have 3 channel. 4 channel option didn't start until 1995.
Driveshaft(your 2 piece) should be OK.
You'd have to reprogram to correct speedometer.

Wild Willy

If you can find an axle out of a manual F-body, they came with 3.42 gears- still not what I would call performance, but better for acceleration. Shop around, and good luck.