If you have < 3.0 in the 8.2", I think you will need a bigger carrier any way.

I think most folks will agree that the 8.5" is a much better choice than the 8.2" and, unless you are making some serious HP, the 8.5" 10 bolt should do you just fine. No need for the 12 bolt.

But... I could be wrong!

Rob

 

It's pretty easy to get parts for an 8.5, and they are pretty cheap -- the same, or less than what it will cost to re-build the 8.2 since not as much is out there for them.

This way, you don't have to take your car out of comission for longer than it takes to drop the new rear in.

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68 Coupe, 350 4-speed
Jim's Camaro Corner

 

I had trouble locating one of the Nova 8.5's that will bolt right in. I do agree that it would be the better choice if you can get one. 12 bolts were plentiful but pricey and still needed work to get what I wanted. I rebuilt my 8.2 and all is well but I don't have the power you and your friend have. I found the 8.2 parts to be comparatively priced and a pretty good selection to be had. I think the availability of the new Eaton posi for the 8.2 swayed me to go ahead with the rebuild.

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Robert Johnson

'69 getting better every day... (every pay day)
350ci 700r4 3.55 posi A/C PS PDB

 

I outfitted my 8.2 with an Auburn Posi and 3.73's when I had a 350c.i. in my 68. Last year I completed the 454c.i. (@475HP) swap and left the rear as is with a lack of cash. I mash the gas whenever possible and it still lives. I run radials and do not go to the track since I know slicks would be the end of it. My point being that if you stay with radials and your power level I think the rear will live O.K. especially if you go with the Eaton. BUT, if you have the cash, by all means go with something more stout. Then you would not have to "worry" about it.

 

I had a 8.2" 10 bolt posi in my Chevelle behind a big-block that lasted for about 1 1/2 years before it grenated the posi carrier. And I have less than 400hp here at 6,200 foot elevation!

It was the original rearend and carrier and I've heard that the newer Eaton posis are quite a bit stronger than the factory stuff, so who knows...

My advise would be to get the 8.5" before you sink a bunch of money into the 8.2"... the 8.5" really aren't that hard to find.

good luck,
Bill C.


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Bill C.
Colorado Springs, CO

68 Camaro... someday!
71 Chevelle SS
70 Nova

 

The 8.5" is probably a stronger rear end, but I have an 8.2" in my 68 that has held up fine for 2 years behind my 383 that has 380 FT/LBS and 320 HP at the rear wheels (roughly 425 HP at the flywheel). I have the Auburn Pro series posi / carrier, Richmond gear 3.55's, Timken bearings, and stock axles. I run slicks, and have had 60' times down into the low 1.6's. I don't know how long the rear end will last, but so far so good.

 

The new Eaton posi is stronger than the original 8.2 posi. It is also much better than the Auburn. I have built a 8.2 in a '69 Camaro that is still living behind a stout 383 and a 4 speed. It has been together for about 3 years now and has been through 2 owners. The 8.5 is a better rear end, but are getting hard to find. The only ones that will work are the '71-'74 Nova and clones. Eaton also makes a very good posi for the 8.5. The Eaton is $348.

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'69 RS/SS396 pro street
427/4spd/9"
Byars Performance
High Performance Drive Train Parts And Service
www.lubedealer.com/biggearhead

 

Thanks Guys for your reply. I guess it all comes down to money with this one. I think my friend is going to keep the 8.2 10 bolt and I will go with the 8.5 10 bolt. I guess we will do our own test with this.
Thanks Again,
David