Obviously the title will warrant an explaination. My car currently has a stock 12 bolt with the original open differential and as far as I can tell 3.23-3.36 gears. I just bought a TH400 from a guy I know who runs a shop and has built numerous drag cars over the years, and he has offered me a trade. He has a '70 Chevelle with a 10 bolt, and he will install whatever gears I choose and a new posi if I trade him my stock 12 bolt for it. I'll have to get a little more info on it, but I believe he would ask for no additional money or at the least, very little in addition to the trade.

Now I know the 10 bolt would be more than adequate with my current, anemic 350. But of course I have intentions of greatly improving my engine eventually, possibly even going to a big block (not too likely, but still possible). However, this trade could save me ALOT of money over doing the same things to my 12 bolt. Would it be worth it?

 

Your car doesn't have a 12 bolt stock. It has a 7.5 10bolt. You won't have ABS unless you build a ABS setup. I think you would loose your rear Disc brakes too.

 

First of all I'm guessing you have a 1st or 2nd generation car. If not ...well we won't go there ...but anyway a Chevelle rear will not work in a Camaro. Back then the Camaros were leaf springs cars vs Chevelle that was coil...not to mention the Chevelle rear is a tad wider. Could you make it work...yes but its not worth it. Get one made for the car! the twelve bolt is MUCH stronger than the ten...so if your going to upgrade one do the twelve bolt it will pay off down the road especially if you go the big block route. My past DRAG cars were a 69Z with a 468 big block and a 70 Chevelle SS 454 car....hope this helps.

 

JEDCamino Camino Camino Camino El Camino Camino El Camino.

Hes got an El Camino.

 

Yeah, no Camaro. The rearend should swap with little or no trouble. I'm pretty sure a built ten bolt will hold up to the puny power of my small block. I talked to the guy Friday, and I think we're going to swap around Christmas.

 

sorry about that, i am so use to posting in the LT1 tech i just assume everyone has a 4th gen.

 

well........ sounds like a good deal, if you plan on staying reasonable with the power, and probably no slicks.But if you can, get an eaton posi.

 

That's probably going to be my most likely choice. I don't think I'll need slicks or drag radials to hook up for a while since I'm not exactly making mounds of power now. Currently I'm still getting used to my new stall converter, and it doesn't spin that badly now, even when I floor it from a dead stop. It will smoke the right tire for about 30 feet and then hook up just fine. I figure with a posi it would hook up better even with 3.90s or 4.10s. We'll see.

 

yes...your swap will be a piece of cake. Same rear end...however if you do decide to go with a big block that little ten bolt won't have a chance!

 

A well built 10 bolt from the 70's can take a lot of abuse and can stand up to well over 500 hp with the proper modifications. These rears in stock form will typically survive quite easily into the mid 400 hp range. Unlike the puny 10 bolts of the 3rd and 4th gen f-bodies, the units that went into 1st and 2nd gen f-bodies have an 8.5" ring gear. These rear ends have survived 9 second 1/4 mile runs.

Make sure that you are getting an 8.5" version of the 10 bolt. I cannot say for certain what vehicles to avoid but there was an 8.2" version that should be avoided with any type of anticipated buildup.

Steve

 

Thanks for the advice, guys. If I ever decide to go to a big block, I'll probably get a pre-built 12-bolt or Ford 9 inch. At any rate, I doubt I'll be making enough power to hurt the 10 bolt for quite some time! Now I just have to decide between 3.90s and 4.10s....