Hallow!

Although I'm actually an LT1 guy (for now...), this question pertains to the most powerful F-bodies...

I've been a GearHead for a long time, and I've grenaded literally dozens of 7.5" and 7-5/8" rear ends in mutlitudes of different types of vehicles, and only one of them had the kind of power an LS1 SS would put out.

Does a brand new, 2002 Z28SS come with anythihng bigger than the 7-5/8" rear? And if so, how in the heck is it holding up to modded LS1's easily pushing 400hp???

Obviously, driving style has a lot to do with it, and I drive them like an escaped mental patient. But still, I just can't believe anything less than an 8.5" rear could hold up to 400hp for any amount of time.

My '95 LT1 is (for now...) completely stock, and from previous experience with my 350hp Malibu, I'm scared to death to do donuts on the pavement with the Z28 or get the tires good and sticky and launch it hard due to the small rear. Will it really hold up?

I made several attempts at making the 7.5" hold up with aftermarket internals, which only resulted in more impressive catastrophic failure when it did finally break again. I finally put in a Grand Natinal 8.5" rear, rebuilt it with stock internals, and have never had any more problems. And I run it like an escaped mental patient on experimental medication every time I drive it!

Any advice or personal experiences would be great, or sources for a bolt-in aftermarket 12-bolt rears...

I actually put this exact post in the LT1 and LS1 areas because I am sure both areas will have things to say... Is there a way to do that automatically so that everyone sees all the replies???

Cheers,
Scott

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www.RigdonHome.com
1995 LT1 Z28

 

Only came with the 7.5(7 5/8) Rear

For swaps: 12 bolt or a Ford 9, Id go with a 9 just for the availability. If your making crazy power you could always fab a Dana 60 to fit