79 GP 455 Starting back up Again

[CDUNIGAN]

I have 79 gp with a 455. I have a high performance motor in it (will post more next time). Here is the deal.
I need advice on my rear end and headers. I did see a post about a guy on ebay (mad dog,....) who is selling headers. I was wondering if anyone on here has bought any off of him.

Next question.... I put a pontiac motor in this car because I liked the idea of having a pontiac motor in a GP. I really like the idea of putting the 8.5" rear end out of a SS, GN etc in my car because it is GM and an easy install. My question to you guys is how much easier/cheaper/better would it be to put a Ford 9" in it and be done with it.

Also, anybody have an idea where to buy a rear end? I live outside of Indianapolis.

Thanks

 

[Blake442]

With the extremely high cost and rarity of 8.5's, if you can even find one, plus the cost of rebuilding it, you're much better off just getting a new bolt-in 9 inch.

 

[midwestls]

With the extremely high cost and rarity of 8.5's, if you can even find one, plus the cost of rebuilding it, you're much better off just getting a new bolt-in 9 inch.

x2 I agree. Look around, maybe you'll get lucky. Maybe post a wanted ad on craigslist and on here. You should be able to find somethin

 

[shotgun]

Can't give proper advice on the exhaust without engine specs/goals.

 

[Bonnewagon]

I saw several 8.5" rears going for around $600 lately. Maybe the crummy economy is filtering down to auto parts?

 

[G-Body_Vet]

I saw several 8.5" rears going for around $600 lately. Maybe the crummy economy is filtering down to auto parts?

I hope that starts making it's way to my corrupt part of the country :lol:

Cheapest I've seen is $800. There's a guy on CL that want $1875 for one :shock:

 

[G-Body_Vet]

With the extremely high cost and rarity of 8.5's, if you can even find one, plus the cost of rebuilding it, you're much better off just getting a new bolt-in 9 inch.

Last time I checked, a decent bolt-in 9" was around $2K+. I see the housings cheap. I see the axle packages cheap too.
But the center section and brakes aren't as cheap.

If you guys know something I don't tell me otherwise. i want to be amongst the informed too lol!

 

[67rstbkt]

With the extremely high cost and rarity of 8.5's, if you can even find one, plus the cost of rebuilding it, you're much better off just getting a new bolt-in 9 inch.

Last time I checked, a decent bolt-in 9" was around $2K+. I see the housings cheap. I see the axle packages cheap too.
But the center section and brakes aren't as cheap.

If you guys know something I don't tell me otherwise. i want to be amongst the informed too lol!

Howabout this one:

9" GM G-Body Bolt-In Housing
$745 Complete w/ Axles, Axle Bearings, Studs, & Retainers
- $365 Housing Only (Brackets Installed)
- ADD $30 for Moser Axles
* See Axle Options Above
Fits: 78-87 GM Malibu, Regal, Cutlass, El Camino, Monte Carlo
* Adjustable Lower Brackets Available +$30
* Custom Made To Order - Any Length
* Choice of Housing Ends (1/2") - (3/8" New Style)
* Drain & Fill Plugs w/ Jack Pad + $55
* Billet 10/12 Bolt GM Housing Ends + $75
* Heavy Walled Tubing + $30
* Back Brace Installed + $169 (Sold Separately $69)

http://www.quickperformance.com/Products/housings.htm

 

[G-Body_Vet]

With the extremely high cost and rarity of 8.5's, if you can even find one, plus the cost of rebuilding it, you're much better off just getting a new bolt-in 9 inch.

Last time I checked, a decent bolt-in 9" was around $2K+. I see the housings cheap. I see the axle packages cheap too.
But the center section and brakes aren't as cheap.

If you guys know something I don't tell me otherwise. i want to be amongst the informed too lol!

Howabout this one:

9" GM G-Body Bolt-In Housing
$745 Complete w/ Axles, Axle Bearings, Studs, & Retainers
- $365 Housing Only (Brackets Installed)
- ADD $30 for Moser Axles
* See Axle Options Above
Fits: 78-87 GM Malibu, Regal, Cutlass, El Camino, Monte Carlo
* Adjustable Lower Brackets Available +$30
* Custom Made To Order - Any Length
* Choice of Housing Ends (1/2") - (3/8" New Style)
* Drain & Fill Plugs w/ Jack Pad + $55
* Billet 10/12 Bolt GM Housing Ends + $75
* Heavy Walled Tubing + $30
* Back Brace Installed + $169 (Sold Separately $69)

http://www.quickperformance.com/Products/housings.htm

I checked them before too. What I'm actually getting at it the housing, axles, bearings, etc costs $745. Add $100 for the calipers. Then the center section sets you back another $400-$1000 unless you want to scour the bone yards for a used one. The prices below were taken from Quick performance too. If it's just me that's mistaken, please enlighten me. I'm not trying to start a pissing contest by any means at all. I just find it hard to believe Currie charges upwards of $2k for a bolt in deal and Quick can charge $745. I'm no expert, but it looks like that $745 price tag doesn't include your center section.

Even looking at this one they list for "circle track only" costs $1449
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/9-inch-f ... _959wt_687

But like I said; I'm not trying to discredit you. It's just that bolt-in to me means it would have a center section with it.

Price:

Mini Spool (28 & 31)
$399
Open Carrier (28 & 31) $399
Lightweight Spool (28 & 31) $499
Drag Spool (28-31) $525
Drag Spool (33-35) $565
Trac-Lock Posi (28 & 31) $820
True Track (28 & 31) $945
Detroit Locker (28 &31) $975

 

[67rstbkt]

Yep, you're right, no center section for that price. The way I see it is that even if you buy a used rear, you wll probably invest a god chunk of change into it. Starting with new parts puts you ahead of the game.....slightly