I'm the original owner of a 87GTA 5.0L, 5-speed all stock. I'm ready to build it up and ultimately be able to get quarter mile times well into the 11s. I'd like it to be able to cruise on the highway, gas mileage really isn't a concern for me... The car has 85k miles and I drive it about 1000-1500 miles per year. Inside is like new and the outside looks better than new since I had it repainted three years ago and spent a great deal of money to have it done right.

I've decided to start at the rear and work forward so I can drive it in between phases without worrying about breaking something "downstream"....

I'm fairly settled on a Ford 9" and got the below information from BMR Fabrication.

"Complete torque arm style bolt-in rearend w/nodular steel center section, Auburn or Detroit Locker Posi unit, and your choice of 28, 31, 33, or 35 spline axles. Gear ratios available - 3.50, 3.70, 3.89, 4.11, 4.30, 4.56 $2095
---Add a housing back brace $100
---Upgrade to an aluminum center section $155
---Add drain/fill plugs in housing $35
---Add extended wheelstuds $20 "

Comments or suggestions? Should I do all the "options" listed? I was thinking about 4.11s but don't know anything about the spline axles. There was no mention on the rear brakes so I"m not sure what I do there either....

I know you guys will probably be able to tell me the exact HP I'll need with the rear axle ratio to get into the 11s or better. I plan to spend quite a bit more on the tranny, probably a Richmond 6-speed. I've had enough fun already with a ZF to know I want to stay away from them.

Haven't thought much about the motor yet... Unfortunately I don't know a great deal about cars but if any of you want to know about digital photography...I'm your man.

 

a moser 9 inch is a great way to go but on the 3rd gen camaros the brake mounting bracket has to be machined(moser gives a template)


as for the gear ratios i would need to know about your motor to tell you but for the most part the 3.73 is the highest you want on a auto unless you go a bigger tire height but if you get a 6spd 4.10s are perfect for it

4.10s are great on the street and the T56(6spd) goes perfect
80 mph in 6th= 2100 rpm so i would get them and they really wake up a 350 and make it scream
if you want a motor design i have one that i can show you

 

I'd be interested in your motor design. I'd like this to be a little radical yet streetable.... I've got a Suburban, Blazer and will soon add a '02 Z06 as I just sold my '95 vette so I have plenty of bad weather/crusing cars. The GTA is my baby and it turns heads now with the paint job but I want people to hear it coming....

 

If you don't care about gas mileage, go with the 4.11's, they are th perfect combo with an auto, and with the low 6th gear on the T-56, I'd even go 4.56 or 4.30.

You will need the extended studs if you plan on running aftermarket drag wheels.

I'd also get the drain plug option.