Hi Guys,

I would like to replace the stock rear end in my '96 SS this winter and have a couple questions for those of you who have done this before.

#1 - Looking at a 9" replacement from Caprio Motorsports. They offer a bolt in package for the F-Body. Has anyone ever done business with them before? Just wondering what kind of a product they offer and what their customer service is like? There website is www.capriomotorsports.com, they seem pretty reputable from the little visiting I have done with them so far.

#2 - I don't want to have any abs lights come on in the dash after the install so I want to make sure the ABS & TCS are compatible with my car. What build codes on my car should I be looking for to determine whether I need 3 or 4 channel ABS?

#3 - My car will be 99% street driven, with probably only one trip to the strip per year. With so little strip use is a locker or limited slip something that is worth installing. Not so worried about the cost of putting it in, more the street drivability with it in their. If it will only cause increased wear on components with all the street driving it's definately not worth the added advantage once a year at the strip.

Thanks for all your help in advance!

 

A little overkill with a 9" rear. My opinion if its a street driven car 99% of the time and the 10-Bolt 3:42 Limited Slip rear is NOT broken, leave it alone.

 

I guess I left that out of my initial post, the stock rear end isn't in the best of shape and does need replaced. If I'm going to spend time and $, I want something solid.

 

If you are worried about codes or lights from the ABS you can have them removed with a tune. You may need one anyways if intend to change gear ratios (speedo correction). An alternative would be to get a 12-bolt that has the sensor installed in the carrier.

As far as limited slips are concerned, I haven't heard of them causing any more wear on your axle than an open differential. Your car currently has a limited slip unless someone has put an open in it. IMO I wouldn't use an open because you will not be able to get any sort of traction.

 

9-inch brings a lot of excess baggage with it.... high weight, low mechanical efficiency, pinion shaft is dropped, increasing strain on U-joints, and offset to one side causing almost certain problems with banging in the driveshaft tunnel. It's a great rear for 1,000+HP setups, or for people with M6's and 600+HP launching off 5K and 6K clutch dumps, and racing at the track every week. There is no 9-inch that I am aware of that has 3-channel ABS, only 4-channel.

Strange makes a GM 12-bolt that weighs less and has higher mechanical efficiency (less lost HP), and can be had in 3-channel (ABS only) and 4-channel (ABS + TCS) configurations. If you need something stronger (I run a Strange 12-bolt at 800HP) look also at the Strange 60, which is an EXTREMELY strong Dana 60 rear, that is heavier than the 12-bolt, but also a LOT stronger, with higher yet mechanical efficiency. It comes with either 3-channel or 4-channel reluctor rings/sensors. Moser also makes a 12-bolt.

If you have ONLY ABS, you have a 3-channel system. IF you have ABS AND TCS, you have a 4-channel system.

You already have a "posi" (limited slip) differential in your stock 10-bolt, as noted in the response above. You do NOT want a locker or a spool on a car that is mostly street driven. A limited slip unit does not cause any problems.

Who "programs" the EBCM module? The ABS and TCS systems in the LT1 cars are not controlled by the PCM. The codes are set by the ABS/TCS controller (EBCM or EBCTM unit). You can't eliminate the ABS or TCS lights using the PCM.

 

A 12-bolt is a better choice for you than a 9", for the reasons Fred sad. Strange's is really a bolt-in, Moser's is a bit more work to install.

Rich