this is the question that i want to see answers to. im interested in all applications mild to wild. i know they are the weaker of the rears but if they are built right i think they would hold up ok behind a high 300 horse sbc and th350 right?
thanks
Nick

also what parts would you recommend using to make these rears live happier and easier

The 8.2 can handle 300 HP easily if it is built right. An Eaton posi is recommended. A good set of axles would be a good idea. Proper set up of the ring & pinion gears is very improtant.

Listen to Freddie.
I got his help and so far so good.(A few hundred street miles and 20+ passes)

I have a 72 Chevelle w/400 flywheel hp and an 8.2. I added an Eaton Posi, Eaton 4:10s (and install kit), I have SSM upper and lower control arms (coil spring rear) and 28" tall tires.

Seems to have lasted so far. Gears were done last spring.

I'm right around 375hp no less. I used the new version Eaton from Freddie and so far so good. No slicks but is has seen several 1/8 passes and some pretty good burn outs.

Getting ready to do mine. Looking around for a 8.5 got old. I have all the parts ready from Freddie. 3.73 US Gears, Eaton,etc. I also am in the process of welding up the axle tubes then to powder coating.

I went 10.97 @ 122 MPH with my 8.2 before I broke an axle. That was about 400 HP at the rear wheels. That was a bit too much for the 8.2, but as stated above they can a little bit if built right. Should be no problem at all for 300 HP. Probably 400 HP at the flywheel would be OK.

I had 300 RWHP to a stock open 8.2. She worked fine till I tried a 3500 rpm clutch dump on ET streets at the strip.

i like what im hearing so far. so far my parts list consists of richmond 3.55's, eaton posi, superior axles or moser havent decided on that one, and a install kit with cruch sleeve. anything else i should get or need. or should i change some components in my parts list?
thanks
Nick

Just a warning on parts quality. Don't get a Ratech installation kit. Get a good installation kit. It will save you a lot of trouble. This is one case where you get what you pay for.

big gear who makes a good install kit or one you recommend?

There was a build up of a 8.2 rear end in the Jan 2007 Chevy High Performance magazine. They built the rear end for a 11 second Chevy II. The cost was about $1400.00. I was thinking the same thing, but thats a lot of money, for another $300 you could get a new Moser 12 bolt.

the only thing that is keeping me from going with moser is that i work at a parts store and i talked with my boss and i can get all of these parts at cost and our suppliers dont deal with moser

Maybe buy just a 12 bolt housing (from Moser or Currie) and build with your own parts ?

Thats what I'm doing next time (can't find an 8.5 at a decent price :sad: )

A Moser 12 bolt housing and axle package is $1135. That's with the 9 inch Ford axle bearings. C clip axles would be less.

Better 12 bolt and about the same price as an original 12 bolt :D

When I get some money together we'll have to get a GP going lol :yes: