Maybe you guys can help me out with this one...

I have factory 10 bolt open rear end...nothing special in the gear dept...leaking pinion seal..

I have a lot of body work to deal with (rockers, rear quarters and housings) in my future.


Currently I am running a stock Gen-II LT1/Tremec T-56.
I will be looking to increase power levels down the line (after the body work)
Car is a cruiser...maybe an occasional 1/4 mile pass..all in all the 10 would probably be fine,
but the 12 is more capable..

My original thought was purchase a 12 bolt (new, used, blown) and rebuild as necessary.
Is it worth it to put any money into the 10 bolt, or just leave as is and save up for the 12.

I ran some numbers...I am probably looking at the cost of a housing..guts would be in the same ballpark

Any thoughts/opinions?

--Scott

The Nova 8.5 would be a much better choice over the 8.2 10 bolt that you have. The 12 bolt would be great, but the 8.5 is cheaper, and a good rear end. You can upgrade the 8.5 to 30 spline axles with an Eaton posi and it would be almost as strong as the 12 bolt for less money.

ah get a ford (gulp) 9 inch rear
cheaper than most and easy to change gear ratios.
and stronger than a 12 bolt

hmm...Nova 8.5..that is a thought..as is the Ford 9
gulp - lol

I am leaning towards not touching the 10..hate to redo stuff when there is soo much to do for the first time.

dawg - gorgeous 69 - 472 SB? sweet..

thks;)
BTW if your gonna keep the 10 bolt I would suggest getting one of those covers with the supports for the weakest part of the rear.
the main bearing carrier support is the weakest link in a 10 bolt.
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=SME%2D8510300&N=4294925134+4294839047+4294891995+115&autoview=sku

It is getting hard to find the Nova 8.5 ten bolts. I've been looking for one for my 72 without any luck. I find a whole bunch of 7.5 10-bolts and 8.2 ten bolts (and I have one of each), but no luck with the 8.5.

I have been thinking about the Ford 8.8 out of a later model Mustang. There are a ton of them out there. You can get a limited slip with disc brakes for pretty damm cheap.

I have an empty 8.5 10bolt housing w/ drum brake backing plates I am thinking about getting rid of. Considering a 12bolt or 9" in favor of building the 10 bolt.
Tom

It's out of a Nova but same as a 2nd gen Camaro

It is getting hard to find the Nova 8.5 ten bolts. I've been looking for one for my 72 without any luck. I find a whole bunch of 7.5 10-bolts and 8.2 ten bolts (and I have one of each), but no luck with the 8.5.

The junkyards are full of Nova 8.5 rears out here....

The junkyards are full of Nova 8.5 rears out here....

I suggest that you buy them and set up an account with a trucking company ship them. It seems that there is a demand for them and the crushers are destroying them every day. Could be a good business for you.

By the time you find them, pull them, clean them, palletize them and ship them you've got quite a bit invested, probably more than most are willing to pay for a stock used rear end.