Ok, Just got my 96 camaro z28 last week and I'm in love :P

I am ordering a cold air intake this weekend, but before I do other work to the engine I heard that I should build up the rear end, as they are allready under alot of stress on stock camaro's.

When I first posted a few weeks ago, I was told to order 373 gears. I plan to do this, however, what else do I need to add to the back of the car for more stability and strength.

I plan on gearing this car for hard launches, acceleration and handling

Thanks!

I would maybe go as far as buying a 150.00 aftermarket rear end cover to strengthen it up a little bit, but in all honesty, you are better off saving up your dough for a good aftermarket 12-bolt or 9 inch. If you plan on repeatedly testing your stock rearend with hard launches, it is eventually going to fail.

Thanks for the quick response.
Ya thats what I was asking, I'm looking basically rebuild it.
I have no intentions of sticking with stock rear end is what I meant to say :P


I did do some research, but how do i know whether to go with a 12 bolt or 9 inch?

You didn't say if you had an A4 or an M6, My A4 car ran 11s on DRs with 3.42 gears for 10 years with only an Auburn limited slip wearing out...Once I replaced it with a PRO series Auburn it was fine. The 10 bolt consisted of stock axles, GM 3.42s, and a PRO Auburn, and just before I pulled it--a TA style cover. I have since installed a Strange 12 bolt because I upped the power and wanted to be "bullet-proof.

I don't know if I was lucky all those years or what, but the 3.42 gear seems more durable. Maybe because it has more pinion gear teeth than the 3.73s or 4.10s....

NOw, if you have an M6, then I would save for a 12 bolt because stick cars are much harder on rears than the A4s...

As far as what rear to get, my vote is for Strange 12 bolts all the way for a number of reasons including ease of install, and the TA mount.

--Alan

Yeah, from what I know the only thing that the 9 inch has going for it is that it is truly "bullet-proof". But, unless you're looking to go single digits that shouldn't be a worry for you. A 12 bolt should be fine. The 9 inch is more parasitic for power loss too I think.

Thanks so much guys, that was what I was looking for.

What brand 12 bolt do you guys use?

And yes its an A4

In my M6 car, I have a Moser 12-Bolt!!!!

The 9inch can also be pieced together for so much cheaper than a 12 bolt. Maybe its just the LS1 crowd but over on LS1tech.com the M6 heads and cam cars break their 12 bolts fairly often.

Joe Overton runs 9s with his Strange 12 bolt without breakage so it should do for my slow car. I vote for Strange for ease of install, the TA mount, the factory style brake line clips tacked to the housing (no zip ties), for LT1 cars ordering ABS option you also get cool billet backing plates already installed. All you have to do uncrate the rear, install it in your car, and add your brakes. It even comes full of fluid!

--Alan

He probably has an auto. I'm talking about M6 cars.