DrummerDad

Im starting to plan my LT1 swap, and I am thinking about getting a 1LE from Hawks. What I was wondering is, if I get the 1LE, and run drag radials, or a "street" tire like an M&H, or MT, am I going to frag it? Ill weld the axle ends, at the center section, and itll be the 28 spline posi. The gears are probably going to be a 3.42, and like I said, itll be a fresh LT1 (300hp maybe), with a possible N2O shot, in second gear. And Im running a 4L60e, so there wont be any clutch sidestepping.

I dont know the weight, but its a base firebird, with nothing but power windows, and a/c. Tires will be a 275 width, if that matters.

Apeiron

A 1LE what?

sofakingdom

iTrader: (1)

A "1LE" what? Are you talking about a rear end?

If so, there's not really any such thing as a "1LE" rear end. They're no different from any other rear of the same year, except the 88s (all 7 of them) might have got the 89-up brakes. I have no clue about that.

So, the chance of a "1LE" rear tearing up, are exactly the same as any other 90-up (28-spline) 10-bolt. The stock posi will be worthless, since it's just an Auburn and is probably worn out. Yes welding the axle tubes will help.

In mine (a 91 or 92 one) I have the tubes welded, cap studs, a girdle cover, solid pinion spacer instead of crush sleeve, Superior axles, Eaton posi, some kind of gears NOT Richmond (Precision, Superior, Motive, US Gear, etc.; I forget), a new yoke, and LCARBs welded on. I couldn't think of anything else I could do to it.

DrummerDad

Crap. Yeah a 1LE rearend. My bad. Hawks lists them as a 1LE. I have a 91, so I have the 28 splines, but its a 2.73 r&p. I guess Ill be better off getting a cheap locker, and a gear. Although thatll cost a couple hundred more. I eventually want to replace it, with a strange s60, but I dont have the $2500 for it now. Thats why Im looking for a cheaper, temporary fix.

Im just wanting to get both tires grabbing, and limit the wheel spin. I have a grudge match to win next year.

sofakingdom

iTrader: (1)

The 1LEs also all came with disc brakes (although, lots of other cars did as well); so if yours has drums, then that much at least would be an improvement.

Won't do much for spinning, strength, or anything like that, though.

DrummerDad

I have an open diff, so I thought anything would be better. And I was reading about the 1LEs earlier (using the search ) and some people say the brakes arent that much better. I can get the rearend, with brakes and a posi and a 3.42, for less than I can get the locker and gear for mine (with an install and setup). Im just wanting something to make sure it hooks up, and doesnt explode.

Apeiron

It's not that the 1LE rear brakes aren't much better, they're the exact same as was on any other car of the same year. There are no 1LE-specific rear brakes.

DrummerDad

Im sorry. I guess Im not typing clear tonight. I have drum brakes. Id only swap to the other rear, for the discs.

http://www.hawksthirdgenparts.com/in...OD&ProdID=1258

They list a 90-92 used rear end from a 1LE (G92?) with discs, and a posi, for $800. And they say there are other available gear ratios, so I might be able to get a 3.73. I know the posi wont be perfect, but its a DD, so I can make concessions. Its just a band-aid for now, cause I really do plan on swapping rearends later, but Ive got to get this engine swap done.

I guess Im just afraid of putting too much strain on a rear that has to push the car everyday. Its going to be a fresh LT1, with forged pistons (.030 over) and a 4L60e/stock converter, and a shot of nitrous, if I get lucky.

Pat Hall

iTrader: (31)

The same rear that Hawks lists for a whopping $800, you can find in the classifieds here all day long for $250-$350. I picked up a 91 GTA, 28 spline, posi/disc, 3.23 geared 10 bolt for my car from a buddy who was parting one out for $350. I realize they're a site sponsor, but $800 is highway robbery for one of these rears, especially if you're going to plunk down the cash for an aftermarket rear not too far down the road. Any 89-92 posi/disc rear will have the "1LE" style brakes on it. Avoid the 88 and older disc rears since the calipers on them are inherently flawed by design, and the rotors are only 10.5". Btw, the 93-02 rears are a direct swap in our cars and are really easy/cheap to find with posi/disc and a good ratio. The only difference is that they're about 1-1/2" wider on each side, so your rear wheels will stick out just a tad, unless you use 4th gen rear wheels. Other than that little bit of extra width, they bolt right in, and are lots easier to find in the junkyards compared to the 89-92 rears.

AC

iTrader: (3)

DrummerDad, don't get had or misled. Like previously stated, there is no 1LE rear brake package...only a front brake package. The rear disc setup from probably 87-92 would work great for you, and then if you're thinking 4th wheels you could pickup a rear all the way up to 97 I think without having swap issues (not including the e-brake).