BULLET PROOF 10 BOLT? You be the judge!
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 90
From: Fort Erie, Canada
Car is still in the shop waiting for the replacement motor to arrive.
My brother-in-law is still running strong in his 349 RWHP Dyno'd 99 TransAm M6. He took it to the track this past weekend and ran 8.19 in the 1/8th mile with slicks and still hasn't blown it up.
He beats on his car even harder than I do but he's got a stick and I've got an auto so his is even harder on the rear end.
My brother-in-law is still running strong in his 349 RWHP Dyno'd 99 TransAm M6. He took it to the track this past weekend and ran 8.19 in the 1/8th mile with slicks and still hasn't blown it up.
He beats on his car even harder than I do but he's got a stick and I've got an auto so his is even harder on the rear end.
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 180
From: Rochester, NY
Well after debating about going after a 9" or doing this, I leaned in favor of strengthing the stocker. I just bought 4 QA1 chromemoly rod ends and some threaded tube that fits it. I will fab up some brackets for my TA cover and for the axle tubes. I plan on taking a bunch of pictures and detailing all the parts needed to make it work. I have a mildly modded 99 Z that is the guinea pig for this project. Its putting down 380 at the rear wheels so nothing drastic. But I am on the 5th one.. So.. we will see what happens!
-Jeff
-Jeff
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 746
From: Rochester Hills, MI
Some updates since I jumped back on here. It's holding up great. I've been having a blast, beating on it and it's been fine. I started a strange loss of power issues so I took the car to the shop and had them look it over. Thanks to my squealing a/c compressor we couldn't hear the rod bearing ticking. Put it up on the dyno to check the tune and pulled 430rwhp when the bottom end let loose. The 10-bolt is still going strong but the bottom of the motor is done. We tracked down a guy he knew with a Z06 short block with 20k on it and it will be on it's way to the shop tomorrow. The guy just swapped to a 408 so wasn't going to use it. $500 (Smokin deal) and it's mine. We'll swap the new top end over from the LS1 and be back in business in a week or so. Also ditching the a/c while we're at it.
The car gods are thanking you for sharing the axle info. Helping >>> good karma. (That's how Earl would explain it anyway).
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 546
From: Webster,Tx
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 90
From: Fort Erie, Canada
I used a Miller MIG 175 gas welder. Relatively inexpensive welder if you are into more serious fabrication. Any 110v Welder will do this job though. I build Jeep parts, chassis, bumper, parts .. all kinds of parts that get up to 3/8" thick steel and it works beautifully. This has definitly proven to be a good alternative to a 12-bolt. Inexpensive and very stout. There is some time involved in putting it together but it's well worth it.
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 90
From: Fort Erie, Canada
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 90
From: Fort Erie, Canada
If you bought the parts and brought it out I'll help you put it together. I'm building a 40'x60' shop in Pembroke, NY right now. Should be done in about 5 weeks. I'm moving my lift and all my equipment there. Still a haul for you though since you're down by NYC. 
I'm building a 40'x60' shop in Pembroke, NY right now. Should be done in about 5 weeks. I'm moving my lift and all my equipment there. Still a haul for you though since you're down by NYC.
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,097
From: smithtown, NY
really? haha hey man im 17, got nothing but time. haha right now my cars almost stock so the stock rear with 4:10s should suffice. this winter a moderatly built 355 is going in. if your still around i may take you up on that offer, throw you a few bucks as well
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 180
From: Rochester, NY
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 180
From: Rochester, NY
I have bought all the parts i need to build up the rear end. I just picked up a spare rear end housing. I am going to have it sandblasted and then i will weld on all the brackets and such. My friend is doing the alumnium welding for me, as i do not have the experience with it. I will get a parts list made up as soon as i have it all together and i know it all fits. I have not finished the mock up, because i am waiting for my cover to be finished getting welded.
-Jeff
-Jeff