Who said its running sticky tires? They're just everyday rubber. It'll run 12s - don't worry.

TP

 

I own a daily driver 87 IROC with 305 and a Mod 70 Firebird with 350. I would have to say that the comparisons between the 2 model years is pretty close.
When testing these 2 cars the power (curve) is different...while the IROC has blazing performance out of the hole and good top end (over 138 mph)....the Firebird seems to pull like a demon in the midrange thanks to it's "large for a 350" 3.75 inch stroke. The Firebird weighs some 200 lbs heavier...and the IROC is a much better handler and true track performer. It is my opinion (since I own a good represenation of 2nd gen muscle) that the IROC ---even with the TPI 305 can be made into a descent performer. The arguement that only the mighty L98s can compare to other SMC muscle cars in the past are not accurate. I feel very confident that my LB-9 with lame 3:08 gears could make a good account of itself when compared with...lets say a 69 Z-28, 69-70 SS 350, 70 Z-28, and 69-70 Boss Mustang, 390 AMX.... 4 of the cars mentioned I have driven myself and am familiar with the power curves. Just an opinion.

 

Just thought I'd throw this into the rearend argument....my Grand Prix has a 2.41 geared 7.5 inch 10- bolt similar to that found in thirdgens...and i dropped a 450HP BUILT 500 cubic inch caddilac motor that came from the FACTORY with 530+ torque, plus I did heads....cam....intake....blah blah blah....point is, car runs 12's all day long and I welded the spider gears together so it launches REALLY hard from a roll (IF it hooks) and the 10 bolt has been holding up just fine for months of abuse so far......so I don't think they are THAT weak. And yes the car actually is setup good with the 2.41 gears its a caddy thing

 

well you seem to be as lucky as me for rearends, some hold some don't, but i really don't like the idea of welding the spider gears together unless it's a dirt track car.