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Help me decide.....upgrade the 8.2 or buy 8.5

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Bryans68

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I currently have an 8.2 10 Bolt that needs an upgrade or a replacement....

Many have said I do not need to upgrade to the 8.5 with my 327, including a store that could have sold me a new rear end - And that follows true with many local car guys and drag racers. Unless I get above 400HP - stick with the 8.2.

If I upgrade the 8.2, a Eaton posi, gears, and install kit will run me $750, plus install of $250 or so. I use my existing rear, and have all new parts. I would drop off the car, and pick it up later done and ready to drive. Total Cost $1000.

A Camaro shop has 8.5's with posi and gears that have been "gone through" and offer a 12 month warranty. I would have to store my 8.2, and have unknown parts, but do have a warranty. I would also have to move the brakes from the 8.2 to this one, bleed etc. The rear ends are housings that they welded on the perches to fit. Price of rear is $1000, plus my time to install.

The money is the same, the 8.5 is stronger, but do I need it? The thought of dropping off the car and picking it up done is good too (8.2 Upgrade).
I will also be swapping my mono-leafs for Hotchkis lowering leafs.

I am leaning to upgrading the 8.2.

Your thoughts??
 
#2 ·
I would want to know what parts are installed in the 8.5. If they are using the Auburn differential and stock 28 spline axles then I wouldn't want it. If they are using the 30 spline Eaton and Moser axles then it woudl be well worth it. The 28 spline axles that are used in the 8.5 are the very same axles that are in the 8.2, so strength isn't improved a lot. When I build a 8.5 I use the 30 spline Eaton Posi, 30 spline Moser axles and I also do some other upgrades, which depend on the car that it's going in and how it will be used.

I've build some 8.2 rear ends that held up to some pretty good abuse. Yours would probably do well if it's built right. I would want to upgrade the axles too. Yours are probably worn where the bearings run on them and likely need to be replaced anyway.
 
#4 ·
I love my 8.5.. Bought it off Ebay for $200 with 3.08 posi out of a 73 Nova (already had multi leaf perches). Upgraded gears to used 3.23 (additional $350)... I'm very happy with it. Would much rather have it than a 8.2.. (I'm running a 427 4 speed set up).
 
#6 ·
I just got done putting my 8.5 in this weekend. I was trying to decide the same thing about the 8.2 or 8.5. I found a used 8.5 for 200.00. I upgraded to the 30 spline, 3.73 posi and disc brakes. Hope to bleed the brakes tormorrow and take for a run. I looked at it as it's a bunch of money either way and for a bit more I went to the 8.5 so I never have to worry about it.
 
#7 ·
I was in the exact same situation as you. I chose to rebuild the 8.2 with Eaton posi, 3:55 Motive gears, new bearings, seals, etc. I reused the stock axles as the bearing surfaces were fine. I'm running a mild 350 with an M21, and the old 2.73 peg leg had to go. I paid about $800 for all the parts, but did all the work myself. I wanted to rebuild it as a learning experience as much as anything. I stripped the housing down to bare metal and painted it with black chassis paint and upgraded to disk brake conversion from The Right Stuff. I also did Hotchkis multi-leafs. At least I know how the rebuild was done and what parts were used. It's a weekend cruiser only, so I doubt the 8.2 will blow up anytime soon.

I don't think you can go wrong either way, it's all what you want to do. If more horsepower is in your future maybe the 8.5 is the safe bet. Otherwise I'd say the 8.2 is good to go.
 
#8 ·
I'd say go with the 8.5 - its stronger and more parts are available, and why put money into a rear end that hasnt been made in 38 years? theres reasons why GM went to the 8.5- cost savings - didnt have to make 12 bolts anymore either. and you'd never worry about what it can handle - the other way its still a 8.2
 
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#9 ·
IF you go with an 8.5", definitely go with the 30-spline posi and 30-spline axles. Like Freddie says, I'd definitely want to know what parts are installed in the 8.5" rears that you are looking at.

If you're not in a rush, I'd definitely look around for a "good" used 8.5" housing and go the 8.5" route with 30-spline axles and either an Eaton Posi or a TrueTrac. You can find used 8.5" rears in the $100-$200 range if you are patient, and the overall cost to build an 8.5" isn't that much more than the 8.2" (you'll need some misc. items like multi-leaf shock plates, driveshaft shortening, etc so it will add cost.) But I'm pretty guilty of always spending "just a little more" on every upgrade :)

Having said that, at your power/torque levels, I think the 8.2" would survive just fine provided you're not playing with sticky drag tires, trans break, 5000 RPM launches etc. Like Freddie says, check your axles and consider a good "stock type" aftermarket axle while you have the rear end apart.
 
#10 ·
I'd stick with the 8.2 for a few reasons. Chances are its original to the car (NOM). You've already got it, you know it fits, you know it works. You don't need to store an extra rear end. You don't need to shorten your driveshaft (like you would if you went to an 8.5). An 8.2 will handle the power of a normal sbc 350 without issue. Don't forget, that if you're going from a 2.73 to a 3 series gear, you'll need a ring gear spacer. Mr. Gasket and others make these. Summit sells the Mr. Gasket one, with bolts, for the 8.2 for about $30.
 
#12 ·
DOUG G said:
Again .... don't seel the 8.2" short :noway:

I have been 1.64 60' many times and high 11's-low 12's with NO issues :yes:
Click to expand...
And I'd be safe betting you were running an automatic!
If your cheap as I am you can find 8.5's for as little as 40$ at a pick n pull in a larger city - posi's are harder to find yet but Ive located a few in craigs list and gears are common if you have the means you should be able to do this for 2-300$ in parts and if you can do your own setup... and unless your putting 500hp or more down stock axles and a good used posi will be fine
 
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Discussion starter · #14 ·
I want to thank everybody for their help. I have been looking for a good 8.5 housing or complete for so long now...This project was supposed to be done before the good weather!

I will be upgrading the 8.2, then about a week later..I'll find the perfect 8.5!

Have a great weekend,
Bryan
 
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Bryans68
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