Hey guys, just a quick question. I see all of these posts about putting turbos and swapping in LT1's and other more powerful engines, but I never see anyone beefing up their drive line (transmission, clutch, rear axel) to handle the extra power, and from what I've heard, the drive line on our cars isn't exactly known for it's strength (unfortunately)... so basically my question is; how on earth do you make your drive line last after adding all that power?

 

Upgrades. Transmission needs built or swapped to a stronger type depending on power. Driveshaft needs beefed up, go with a aftermarket steel one
Rear end should be changed out for a 12 bolt or 9" or dana 60. Those are the basic popular options

Driveline questions are typically posted in the transmissions and drivetrain board section

 

Sorry about being off topic, please feel free to move the thread.

So there are suitable replacements for all of these things? I'm guessing there's no such thing as aftermarket transmissions or rear ends though, so where do people get these things? And why don't they ever seem to write about it. It seems to me like replacing the transmission etc would be just as big of a project as replacing the engine...

 

Need to start looking around websites that sell car parts. Theres aftermarket everything. Including transmissions and rear ends. Most however reuse the oem case and just put in stronger internals to hold big power. Some do make aftermarket housings or actual transmissions.

It can be a big job indeed and most build threads do discuss some type of driveline upgrade because its required. You can push stock stuff pretty far but its a time bomb in the end

 

There are plenty of bolt in options that can be had if you spend the cash.

12 bolt, 9 inch, t56, etc

 

The transmission is going to go for sure over time. As for the rear though, there are several examples here of stock ones holding up to 9 second passes (such as Orr89RocZ) but you should definitely plan on the $2500-$3000 cost of a 9 inch or 12 bolt if you plan on putting down a ton of power. High gear ratios such as a 2.73, 3.08 and 3.23 will hold up quite well in a factory rear. Throw in a 3.73 or 4.10 with a lot of power and they can break in minutes with traction.

 

If you use a stock rear, you cant apply a ton of power at the launch. No shocking the gears and carrier at once. Gotta apply power smoothly. I left the line soft for the first 20-30 ft a d then power came on fast. Rear already moving will handle the power better than say a trans brake all at once hit

 

If you do a search on the transmission drive line section you will find some like others have said here. even a corvette rear end has bean installed, Most people that do upgrade the transmission or rear end just buy a new performance one as they are mostly bolt up and go, Not many will spend the time to go find a 12 bolt or 9in and build it to go in our cars when someone else makes them, If your looking for a rear end and I hate to say but check out that e bay motors, it will show you some and the prices to expect.

 

Thanks for all the info! Cool that there are aftermarket parts even for these things, I didn't expect that. I'll go do (a lot) more googling...

Part of me is excited about all the potential and part of me is scared of how much money I might end up dumping into a car... I'll just try to keep my cool for now and read up on things