I see you have to do some extensive modifying to get a stock 9 incher to fit an fbody. so, what are the options? What is the best option as far as strength and cost? I know there are lots of people on here that have done a conversion, so anyone with feedback? What they would have done different, what they have done and liked? Mine is a 95 stroker, puttin out 430 rwhp, 6 speed manual, and vette ZO6 rims with 295 rubber. What gears are good for a daily driver? Also, what size axles should I be lookin for? I am rear-end dumb, but from what I understand anyone can setup a 9 inch, its easy! and it just bolts into the housing. So, anyone wanna help a brotha out?
thanks
Cody

 

no one?

 

I built one but its not worth it by the time its all said and done,you are far better of going to moser and getting the housing and axle package and then buying a used center section.

 

At 430rwHP, a good 12-blt will be more than adequate.

 

so, what brand for a 12 bolt? I know that the old chevelles and such had 12 bolts, but they are not set up for our cars. Is moser the only one then? Also, for the money, which brand is best, with what gears? I figured I could get a 9 inch done for just under 2 grand. Isn't mosers like 400 bucks higher, and they aren't as strong? Wouldn't it make more sense for the 9 inch, or am I missing some important things here?

 

Strange also makes a 12-bolt. As does KTRE - but I wouldn't even think of doing business with KTRE after they screwed a few guys here out of big $$$ on a group purchase several years ago.

The 9-inch will cost you less for a "basic" setup. Whether the basic configuration is appreciably stronger than the 12-bolt is open to debate. I've heard it argued both ways. If you are looking at something over 900-1,000HP, the options available to strengthen the 9-inch make it more desirable than the 12-bolt. At least one diehard racer here has grenaded a few 12-bolts, so it might be worth the time to do a "search".

The low $$$ "basic" setup will have a heavy iron center section, and presents some dimensional problems. Its tough on u-joints and the torque arm, because the pinion is offset lower than the 10-bolt or 12-bolt, and offset to one side of center. It will probably need a new DS. You can't get 3-channel ABS (although you could rig something), only 4-channel TCS/ABS. Published figures indicate the 9-inch will cost you 3% more power loss than the 12-bolt.

At 430HP, seems questionable. I'm running 800flywheel through a Strange 12-bolt. Buddy of mine took his Strange to 900HP, only upgrading to the 9-inch when he went over 1,000HP (eventually to 1,325HP).

You can swap out the gears a lot easier.... the torque arm mount complicates things a bit, but you could swap center-sections in a couple hours. Obviously something you can't do with a 12-bolt. You can also make major steps toward weight reduction with the 9-inch, but its high $$$$.

 

I'm at 400rwhp and I went with a Strange 12 bolt. I know that M6s are harder on parts, but you should be OK with the 12 bolt. I liked the Strange over the Moser for the TA mount, 33 splined axles which are standard, an 800 lb preload sprung Eaton Posi also standard, its got the tabs weled to the housing to hold your brake lines (no zip ties), if you order the abs option in an LT1 you get trick billet backing plates included, and its fully assembled with fluid. All you do is add your rotors and calipers and have at it (after 250 easy miles...which really is hard to do!) I think I paid $2500 shipped I also got the LPW cover/girdle...

--Alan

 

hmm alan, where did you get yours? See, this is what I wanted, real world info. I thank you injuneer! Once again you come through for me. I suppose I should keep the ABS...

 

I got my Moser 12-bolt with every single option for $2279 from www.ls1speed.com

 

I got mine from Spohn as part of a "buy in" when Steve became a Strange dealer. Spohn is great to deal with...

--Alan

 

alright, thanks again guys! Any other help anyone?