83 grand prix.. first gbody.

[DWOOD1995]

Have an 83 grand prix, first gbody build any preps tips tricks are appreciated. Gonna be a 406 SBC for a power plant, but undecided on the rest, most likely a th400.

 

[Texas82GP]

Welcome to the site from Houston from a fellow GP owner. We'd love to see some more pics of your car when you get a chance. If you have questions be sure to ask. There's lots of great knowledgeable guys on here who are always happy to help.

 

[DWOOD1995]

Hey thanks man, from Iowa here. Biggest question i have i think is how to do the rear end. I have access to almost endless 10 bolt gms but don't know if thats a decent route to take. also if i will need a short shaft of long shaft trans, so on so fourth. I have mechanical background, I just don't know the number to it quite yet.

 

[406 Monte]

I would say short shaft

 

[DWOOD1995]

Thank ya sir, noted.. im picking up a ford 9' housing next friday decently cheap, gbody ready.

 

[Texas82GP]

Thank ya sir, noted.. im picking up a ford 9' housing next friday decently cheap, gbody ready.

Then you should be all set on the rear. A 9" is pretty stout.

 

[DWOOD1995]

its just the housing, but i dont mind that, because then i can build it how i want, with what gears i want.

 

[Kiko]

Welcome to this great G-Body forum! I have a 1983 GP as well, so I'll try to help with any questions you have.

I have just completed an upgrade of the original (weak) rear end because I run a 454 BBC. I went with Chris Alstons's Chassisworks FAB9 -- a derivative of the Ford 9". The driveshaft length will depend on your transmission and the rear end. My transmission is a 700R4 and the driveshaft is from Strange Engineering (3-1/2" OD x 0.083 wall, 4130 steel chrome-moly -- #U1704). My driveshaft length is 49-1/2". The transmission housing flange to 3rd member yoke flange is 52-5/8".

Hope this helps.

 

[MrSony]

A TH400 won't be a 100% drop in. I'd invest in a GN 200r4 or a 700r4. Overdrive is a blessing.

 

[Kiko]

You're so right regarding the Overdrive. I had a TH350 before and the difference compared with the 700R4 is worth every penny. I still have to upgrade some of the internals on this transmission since the BB can destroy it if I don't watch it.

In either case, I'd chose the transmission first, then the rear end -- this will save some money in having to replace the drive shaft a number of times.