BrutalGTA

iTrader: (2)

I'm getting into the expensive part of my build as I'm basically just lacking the whole drivetrain. I've been waiting to the motor, as LS motors are getting cheaper and everything else for these cars has just about hit the cheapest price.

I'm stuck between the S60 or the fabbed 9" from CRP or MWC. Should I go with the 4th gen size for wheel fitment, or 3rd gen size and run adapters so I can run a wider wheel combo?

This will be a street car beaten on like a red headed stepchild! Initially a 500rwhp all motor build, then either some juice or a turbo when funds come back around.

Does anyone have any experience with these recently??

coptzer

iTrader: (2)

I don't think you can go wrong with either choice. It depends on how much you want to spend and what your end goals actually end up being. Whether or not you want spool, or Posi as they vary in price quite a bit. I installed an S60 on my swap last fall and so far I have about 1000 miles on it and love it. Right now I'm at just over 400 HP to the wheels which is nothing for the S60. I got the standard 35 spline axles with Truetrac diff and 4:10 gears. I haven't had a chance to beat on it too bad as I was breaking everything in before winter. I decided to go with the factory third gen width to open up wheel options for deeper dish wheels in the future. I also sent LS1 backing plates in to Strange so they could be installed by them. Something else to consider if you plan on big brakes in the future. I personally know 2 people that have S60's in 4th gens, with plenty of miles on them and have beaten them pretty good including hard launches with slics at the track. Both of them were right around 700 HP boosted, and have never had any issues with them.

And for the record, Carl at CRP is an AWESOME guy to deal with... AWESOME!

Tobias05

I'd go S60 and 3rd gen backspacing personally. If you have the factory GTA wheels still, why not just send them off and have them widened for some 275s or 315s?

What gear ratio you thinking of going with?

My 99Z28 has been begging for an S60 for years! Haha

BrutalGTA

iTrader: (2)

Coptzer- this is exactly what kind of feedback I was looking for! It'll have a locker in it since it'll be a street car. I'm currently waiting on the weekend so I can go grab some ls1 rear brakes from LKQ.


Tobias- Actually I traded the PW7's and $200 for my 89 GTA roller. lol
I'm going to go with the 373's as I've never liked the 3.42 gear, 3.54 is too close
And 4.10's with an 80E would kill me in Houston.
What Torque Arm is a good match with the S60? I'd like a short version to keep it off the trans.

coptzer

iTrader: (2)

I'm using my stock 3rd gen TA for now with my T56, just had to trim the front of it a bit. I also got my S60 with the adjustable LCA's and chrome-moly driveshaft.

plum92_camaro

I also don't think there is a bad choice there. I will get a S60 when I get to that part of my build. Reasons being, I could not put a Ford part in my camaro, 9" may be strong but are the least power efficient of the 3 options (9", 12bolt, and S60), and S60 is the most power efficient. S60 is heaviest option but I'm ok with that. Sorry I can't give you the power loss percentages for the rear ends or the weights but I remember the jist of my research to make my decision.

What tires are available for 16" wheels in those widths?

Tobias05

If wanting factory wheel and tire diameter for the rearend, MT has some ET streets in 26x10.5.

BrutalGTA

iTrader: (2)

Has anyone used the TA CRP offers with their fab'd 9"?

I'm leaning toward the S60 w/ 3rd gen width, posi, 3.73. I just need to go to pick a part to get the brakes and plates.

Does anyone have the ls1 brake plates pn? Are they available from Rockauto?

coptzer

iTrader: (2)

I don't think you can buy them new anymore. Not sure of part number, but if you want LS1 brakes, just make sure you get 98-02 Camaro or Firebird/Trans Am.

I hunted pretty hard last winter trying to buy new and couldn't come up with anything. I bought used ones for a reasonable price and they also included the calipers, dust covers, and all e-brake hardware. With some elbow grease they look just like new. If Carl has a stock of them you might be able to get them from him. He did not when I got my rear end so I sourced my own.

BrutalGTA

iTrader: (2)

They're actually all over the picking yards, but with the mrs being prego and just started a new job and having to train on night shift, it's like being a full time single parent. Too bad they don't allow kids in the yards. I'd drag my daughter out there to help me pull some parts.

Last time I went they had 3 pristine formula hoods @ $45 each. Too bad I sold my truck.

Thanks for the quick reply