I am currently running a 10 bolt from a '90 iroc in my firebird and would like to know if anyone is using a modified 10 bolt to run 10's (or faster). If so, what all have you done to the rear end to hold and how much did the parts cost? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. I don't want to spend 2k on a 9" or 12 bolt!

 

That's a lot of power to be running to a 10 bolt, I'm suprised you haven't blown it sky high yet. According to the tech articles on this site about rebuilding the 10 bolt, they're only good till about 400 or so hp (this came from from Richmond Gears). You'll definitely need a real good posi unit, strong gears (like Richmonds), girdle cover, axle tubes need welded all the way around, solid spacer, forged 28 spline axles, and a few other odds and ends I'm forgeting here.

 

Do you all even think at this point it is worth it?

 

If you build it up, it might last, but it might not. If it were me I'd want the extra security of a good strong 12 bolt that way I wouldn't blow it up in the middle of the track. Of course I'm no rearend guru or anything, this is all just from what I've heard. I'm dropping in a 400 this summer pushing 430hp and 520 tq, and I'm hoping my 10 bolt will hold together with the right parts, but as long as I can't get traction (no slicks for me) I think I'll be alright.

 

I'm a firm believer that the 10-bolt is indeed a good rearend, but at the claimed "500 HP", your walking a thin line. If serious horesepower is the name of the game, then perhaps you just need to seriously consider other options.

 

I don't see why 2k for a rear would be that bad considering you must have dumped a lot of money in your car if you are planning on running 10's. Also I don’t think the 10 bolt is allowed under track rules if you are running 10’s because it is a c-clip rear.

I have heard stories from a few guys on this board that have said they have run mid 11's on a heavily modified 10 bolt.

 

What makes you think I have spent a lot of money so far on this?

 

89 Iroc Z is absolutely correct, I forgot about the "no C-Clip" rule that is in place for cars that are so fast. I don't remember what speed/ET it is, but thats another thing to consider.

 

yeah man, 10.99 and quicker, aftermarket AXLES and retention device needed. good luck coming up with that stuff for a 7.5...

 

I have read on the racing board here if you have rear disk brakes most tech inspections will pass it as an axle retention device.

 

9" and forget it

 

My friend used to run a NOS'd Manza with a 7.5 rear. After market axles, spool, strange studs, brace, girdle cover, and some things I cannot remember. Its was a 10.70 car. It kept blowing ring gears. It appears that the rears flex so much that the ring and pinions become mis-aligned and fail.

As Toyota said, 9" and forget it...

Mark

 

An 8.5" ten bolt will live , if it's built right.
But I wouldn't count on a 7.5" to survive for long.
9" or 12 Bolt are your best bets.
-Rich-