Hi Guys,

I was looking for some advice on which rear end to purchase.

My 95 T/A with the new motor will be making approx 600-630HP. With that being said when I bought the car new back in 95 and know it came with 2.73 gears which I believe is a 2 channel. Does this impact my decision either way regarding going with the 12 bolt or S60? I think I would be ok with the 3 channel correct?

Second question would be about the driveshaft. Right now I have the GM aluminum one. It sounds like if I go with the S60 rear I will need to replace the driveshaft. If I go with the 12 Bolt no need to change correct?

Final question would be I am upgrading my stock LT1 brakes with the Z06 Corvette brakes. I have the Brad Bishop part to upgrade. Does this change or influence which rear I go for?

Thanks in advance.
Jeff

 

I'd definitely go with the S60 at that power level. And the GM al driveshaft would be toast if it would fit. Best bet would be a custom length cm steel one.

 

First off you 1995 Z20 without traction control is 3 channel ABS. Traction control cars have 4 channel.

Second you need a 9" or the S60 for that power if you want it to last. 12 bolts at that power level have seen very mixed results. Not saying you cant to it, I think there are two better choices.

Third you want to use a stock aluminum DS, are you kidding
Get a Strange chromeoly 3" DS.

Fourth as long as the rear acommidates the stock backing plate and the deminsions check out you will be fine.

 

Thanks Guys!

So it looks like the S60 it is with 3 Channel since I do not have traction control.

Looks like I will have spend yet more money for the upgrade in Driveshaft also...oh well what is an extra $300 bucks right.

I am assuming the the S60 unit will not give me any problems when doing the brake upgrade to the Z06 brakes??

As for the upgrading the stock back plate I am assuming the one that comes standard with the S60 with be fine correct?

Thanks!
Jeff

 

Appears you are confusing "channels" and "series". You 2.73 gears mean the stock 10-bolt came with a 2-series carrier. Since you are ditching the 10-bolt, that fact is irrelavent.

As noted in the first response, you have to match the number of sensor channels to your car. Both the Strange 12-bolt and the Strange 60 are available with either 3-chanel (ABS) or 4-channel (ABS + TCS) sensors.

If you are talking about 600-630 flywheel HP, the 12-bolt will be more than adequate with the A4. Even 600-630 rwHP should not be a problem with an automatic. With a manual, it may be marginal. I'm pushing 800 flywheel HP through a 12-bolt, and a buddy of mine took his Strange 12-bolt to ~900HP with no problems. But with Strange claiming the weight penalty is only 25# with the Strange 60, and the reduced power losses, the 60 makes a lot of sense.

Its a "given".... if you are making enough HP to require an upgraded rear axle assembly, you definitely need a stronger DS than the stock steel or aluminum units. A Mark Williams chrome moly DS will run about $625.... the Strange should be a bit cheaper, but still more than $300. If you are tight on $$$$, look at the Spohn driveshafts, or Dennys "nitrous-ready" shaft.

 

Thanks Fred very much!

Now that I understand the 2-Series carrier is irrelavent that is one thing less to worry about.

Yes my car is auto and it should be 600 - 630 RWHP. I am still a little confused on which rear to upgrade to? It sounds like the Strange 60 would be the choice since it appears to be stronger and has more benefits? It sounds like the 12 Bolt will work as well but why not go with the newer rear end Strange has developed?? Yes the Strange 60 unit is heavier but not enough to make a difference IMHO.

As for the DS thanks for the advice. Can I get away with the Strange one?? Is the Spohn DS better than the Strange DS?

Thanks.
Jeff

 

I think Strange is now making a 3" chrome moly shaft that is cheaper than the Mark Williams 3" chrome moly. The Spohn and Dennys units are not chrome moly, just steel, hence a bit less expensive. If you are talking 630rwHP, the chrome moly would be the best idea. Check with Spohn and Dennys to see what they think. I run a MW 3" chrome moly. I'm about 630rwHP through a TH400 and the Strange 12-bolt. The slightly higher efficiency (95% vs. 93%) of the Strange 60 should offset the small weight increase. I bought my Strange 10 years ago, when there was not much else available, and I've been very satisfied with it.

 

Sounds like the chrome moly is a big deal. I will look into the Strange DS. I want to make sure the ride is smooth at any speed if you know what I mean. Glad to hear you have been running the Strange 12 Bolt for over 10 yrs. That gives me HUGE confidence I won't have anything to worry about. Sounds like I should got with the Strange 60 unit. Not suggesting the 12 bolt won't work but rather new technology and it is new.

Looks like I will be making some calls Monday morning. Thanks again for all your help.
Jeff

 

I'm not sure its "new technology".... it the old Dana 60 out of the high performance Chrysler products. Still a good deal though. You might want to check some of the posts regarding the "60"..... the early models seemed to have some problems with noise. Not sure if all of that has been ironed out. There doesn't seem to be too many people here actually using the "60".

My setup used to be a T56 with Street Twin, and the Strange held up to 6K clutch dumps on slicks, but obviously it wasn't being launched with the 300 shot.

 

Looks like I will need to speak with Strange directly about this. I am very picky when it comes to noise so if there is any chance the 60 unit could be louder than the 12-Bolt I will stick with the trusted 12 bolt. To be honest with you I might take the car to the track every once in a while but the main purpose of ugrading the rear is to accomodate the new rwhp. I am really looking for a regular every day car I can drive on the streets without any problems.

I'd say if your 12 Bolt has lived with 6K clutch dumps and slicks my A4 should pass the test.

Cheers,
Jeff

 

I installed the Strange chromeoly DS last weekend. Very nice piece and extremly solid.

 

Thanks for letting me know the Strange DS is solid.

I spoke with Strange today and yes they did confirm the Strange 60 rear is louder than the 12 Bolt. Based on what Fred has said it would appear I will be fine with the 12-Bolt. I hate road noise and or any noise at all so I am inclined to purchase the 12 Bolt now. From the sounds of it not too many F-Bodies seem to be running the 60 rear? Probably because most have upgraded.

 

it's not so popular to to being fairly new on the market (for the fbody anyway).

and alot of guys were having noise issues. i think it scared alot of people.

 

agreed. the whining issue was a big deal when they came out. But, I have not heard many people complaining about them within the last year... Im hoping they got it all sorted out. Ill be purchasing the dana 60 through a GP pretty quick, so Im keeping my fingers crossed.