Rear End ... How strong?

[jonnyslick]

How strong are stock rear ends in a regular (non-Hurst/442) Cutlass? Are the Hurst/442 units stronger? My goal is 400-500 hp for street and *very* mild strip use on DOT drag rubber. Just wondering if the stock rear end could be built to handle that?

I was planning on: upgraded axles, differential, gear, and braced diff cover. What do you all think?

 

[busdriver]

At the HP levels you are considering on making, the factory 7.5" that came in most non 442 models will start to break @ around 300 RWHP ( please don't ask me how I know ). I had upgraded parts, Auburn Posi and 28 spline axles and after having to push my car on the trailer the second time due to a broken posi ( spider gears explo'o'o'ded ) I went to a Strange S-60.

In my opinion don't waste you money on upgrading the stock rear, by the time I was done monkeying around with the 7.5 I could have just bought the Strange and spent about the same money. No matter how fast I decide to go from here on out, I won't be replacing the rear end any time in the near future. Hope this helps........ :wink:

 

[CutlassRacer]

busdriver is the 7.5" rear end killer, lol! Your torquey Olds motor and hard hitting JW converter had a little to do with it too 😉

 

[jonnyslick]

Was that Strange rear end a drop in affair? Also, what about the rear ends out of 442's? Are they stronger? Are there any other "budget" factory parts that will be strong and swap in fairly easy?

 

[78MC-BBC]

easiest and best way imo to go, find a 8.5" rear out of a GN or real 442. The 8.5" rears are far superior to the 7.5. there are several gn guys in the 9 second 1/4 mile range with stock 8.5 rears with only upgraded axle shafts

i picked up a complete 8.5" posi rear out of a 80k mile GN with driveshaft for $650 two years ago. they are out there jsut have to look for them

 

[jonnyslick]

OK ... thanks!

 

[busdriver]

Yes, the Strange was a bolt in. I did have to get a driveshaft made ( a bit shorter by 3 inches or so) and I had to swap some mid 80s full size pontiac drum brakes.

If I had to do it again I'd spend the extra for the brakes Strange provides as an option....