Seeing that 3rd nor 4th gen camaros ame with an 8.5" rear, is there any other option to increase rear strength (approx. 350HP) in these cars without spending $1800.00 on an aftermarket rear? The factory 4th gen. Z28s and SS's run twelves on damn near factory motors. What mods are popular amoung them?

 

Same as 3rd gens.

Weld the axle tubes, stud girdle brace cover, solid pinion spacer, cap studs. Not a whole lot more you can do.

 

Try finding a Dana 44. If you can find them they go for like $700-$1000

 

4th gen f bodys came with the same 7.5/7.62 ten bolt 3rd gens got. the 8.5 ten bolt was long gone before 93.

 

Grab a late 70's 2nd gen rear, its 1/2" shorter than the 3rd gen rear and will handle just about anything you can throw at it. Look for one with a factory Eaton posi, I got mine for 200$ CDN.

 

A 2nd gen rear won't fit one of these cars without ALOT of work... no torque arm mount, no Panhard bar mount, leaf spring perches instead of coil springs, wrong length, etc.

Incidentally, I broke one of those (79 Z28) going over a step in the pavement about 2" tall once.... a spider gear broke in half. That should give you a good idea of how strong they really are.

Considering that the factory puts a power train warranty on their cars with more than some little 350 HP, I don't think you'll have that much to worry about; especially if you strengthen it as described, and avoid abusive things like big 5000 RPM clutch dumps on slicks.

The mods that are popular on those rears are the ones I posted.

 

Never said it wouldn't take a ton of work, but if you know how to fab one up its well worht the effort. For the money and availability its the best option IMO.

 

why would you invest the time, effort, and expense into a 8.5 ten bolt when there are so many more better choices for a rear up grade out there?