basicaly want to know if its worth bothering with or not. power handiling capabilities and what not... can anyone direct me to a good site / book?

Thanks

 

Freak, The 8.2 10-bolt is not a very durable rear. It is fine for stock and mild mods. but if you plan to hammer on it at all I would suggest replacing it. An excellent resonable alternative is a 73-76 Nova 8.5 10-bolt. The 8.5 shares the same pinion bearing as the 8.875 12-bolt rear. I have a few friends running them in 12-second bracket cars and it should take all but the most serious abuse. Your driveshaft will have to be shorted to us it. The easiest way to identify it is the two ears coming off the lower corners of the housing. Hope this helps, ssodb

 

Actually I think it's the 68 to 74 Novas that interchange with 1st gen Camaros, with the 71 to 74 Novas having the desirable 8.5" diff. 75 to 79 Novas have underpinnings the same as 2nd gen Camaros.

Either 71 or 72 was the crossover year for the change from 8.2 to 8.5 on the Nova, so make sure and look for the 2 triangular lugs mentioned above to identify the 8.5.