Ok, so to start off with My car is stock except for the cold air intake. Its got 164k miles on it. It repainted and did a ton of work to it to get it ready to drag race at Milan Dragway in Michigan this weekend. Finally saturday afternoon it was completed and we went to the drag track. I had no issues or noises from the car at all and it handled doing 115mph down hwy 23 for about 20 miles with no concerns. I got to the track, did the bleach pit burn out then lined up. The wheels hooked and I hopped about twice before hearing a very loud bang, rattle rattle rattle, similar to that of a u joint letting loose. I looked under the car, driveshaft was still hooked up. I got towed off the track to realize it was a concern in the rear axle. I tore open the rear axle last night to find pieces of spider gear, springs, clutches, and misc metal muck and other chunky things that who knows came from where. What would cause my factory limited slip to literally blow apart??? It also had 2.73 gears and was full of fluid. I installed a new limited slip unit with 3.73 gears, which gets me to my next question, can a dealership reprogram the PCM for the 3.73 gears so my car isn't reading 70mph at like 50mph??? Or should I just buy a power programmer and do it myself??? Thanks all in advance,
Mike
P.S. Also the abs reluctor ring was junk so now the abs light is on because the new carrier didn't have one, does this make any difference other than the fact that my abs isn't going to work?

 

It is not a news flash that the stock 10-bolt will not stand up to hard launches on a sticky surface. It is perfectly adequate for typical street use, but does not have the strength to be used at the track or with a hi-po setup on the street.

Rich

 

Should I even bother with aftermarket axle shafts or just go aftermarket axle assembly???

 

If you plan on spending alot of time at the track, I think it is time to invest in a sturdier rearend. I would do the whole assembly and there are a few options to choose from as well, 12-bolt, 9-inch, and the Dana60.

 

Get a 12 bolt or a 9" from Moser,Currie that is built to bolt right in.

Ya beat me too it

 

If your not looking to drop all the money on a 12 bolt or 9' you can look into this thread

http://web.camaross.com/forums/showthread.php?t=486663

I personally have not done it but so far it seems like they have had good results. As far as reprogramming the computer for the gears why don't you just get a mail order tune from madz28 or pcmforless and get some extra power while your at it?

 

Wheel hop is what killed it. Since your an auto put a new differential in it, and fix the wheel hop and it should last a long time.

 

If you plan on staying stock I would just put another 10 bolt in it.... but yes they are very weak.

 

Yes the dealership can reprogram your PCM for the speedo correction and I'm not sure on the reluctor ring issue. I think it will cause your ABS not to work, but I'm not sure. Search for username "Shoebox" and go to his website. He has a lot of great info and it might be there. If you don't want to blow up your new limited slip and gears you just put in I would stay away from the track. Since your car is stock you will be fine on the street, but as soon as you hook hard at a track you will be dropping another $750 in new parts again.

 

115 on the highway----I wouldn't plan on any long-term goals for your car-----or you.

 

I thought the same thing

 

I know I know, I'm not one of these yahoos that does that all the time. I was in a rush and the freeway was clear. I drive normal the majority of the time.

 

No apology needed. Don't let them get you down.

Rich

 

What apology...doing 115 no big deal. 115 to 0 can be quite an experience when from out of nowhere comes.....

 

I've got a question on the new 3.73 gears I installed. Yes I know my speedometer is 15mph off. However, some changes I've noticed, the tires don't spin as much on take off but when the vehicle hits second gear, hold on, it'll spin about 6 ft when it hits second gear then launch. I love the new gears, but is it normal to lose some of the take off burn out or could that be more along the lines of a calibration difference with the new gears and the VSS, Trans, and PCM???