What are the pros/cons of each? I currently have an '86 3.23 posi disc rear that needs rebuilt. It clunks, bangs, and slips(posi). I am making around 350hp and 390 ft/lbs(estimate). Would it be better/cheaper to get an '88+? 28 spline open rear and add a PowerTrax locker, aluminum cover, etc.. or put the money into my current rear and beef it up. I don't think I'll be at the strip enough to warrant getting a 9" or 12 bolt. All opinions are welcome.

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350 Vortec, forged flat-tops, CompCams XE268, Edlebrock RPM, Holley 3310, TH350 w/Holeshot 2400, 3.23 posi, Heddman shorties, HEI

 

I'd like to hear, also.
I've heard about the powertraxm, but.......
Is it worth the bucks & effort?

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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

 

Here we go. Powertrax test.

#1. Take a metal tool box
#2. grab all you sockets
#3. Throw them in the tool box
#4. Close the box and get in the car
#5. Buckle the box in the back seat and drive
#6. That is what it sounds like.

The Powertrax tech idiot last year said it makes a sort of racheting sound when cornering. Yeah, when cornering, driving straight stopping accelerating you name it. Makes you wonderful car seem cheap and noisy...like a Gremlin! My sound advice is to get a Torsen posi, weld your axle tubes, ever fabricate a brace, and get an aluminum cover to preload the bearings. In the tech section of this website, they did one up. That's all I plan to do, and my engine dynoed over 420 HP and 415 lbs-ft torque when installed and I am still doing fine. Scared to try slicks though! I know she'll explode like hand gernade if I hooked.

 

That may be an improvement in my car. I usually keep a metal box full of tools etc. buckled in the front seat. My girlfriend hates sitting on it so she usually rides in the back.

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350 Vortec, forged flat-tops, CompCams XE268, Edlebrock RPM, Holley 3310, TH350 w/Holeshot 2400, 3.23 posi, Heddman shorties, HEI

 

LOL, sounds like my current posi!

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1992 Pontiac Firebird 350/Six Speed
1987 Toyota Pickup 383/500+ HP

 

In the real world, the PowerTrax is not a good thing?
In the drag strip world, the Power Trax is a good thing?

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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

 

If your powertrax makes ANY noise going straight, it's not installed correct. But I really don't know how you can screw up the installation, it's easy.
Jaretz28, either you don't know what you are talking about, or it's installed wrong. The only time I can hear mine is if I crank the wheel when going slow, and it's not even close to being loud. It doesn't sound at all like sockets in a tool box, unless your sockets make a light click-click sound. If you don't like the light click-click sound, they have a completely quiet 'no-slip' system that will cost some extra dollars. I've installed a quite a few of the regular powertrax locker without any complaints. Seriously, the powertrax is one of the best mods I've done. But hey, thats just my experience with the installs I've done and the powertrax that's been in my 82 for almost 5 years.

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82 camaro--original steering wheel, brake/gas pedals, seats--everything else modified
82camaro

[This message has been edited by 82camaro (edited May 17, 2001).]

 

jaretz28 - You've obviously never ridden in a car with a properly setup Powertrax. The only time I hear mine is in full lock turns in parking lots, and its not that bad.

The Powertrax will beat any limited slip differential on the market hands down as far as traction.


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1985 Z28, Jasper Class 1 350, Edelbrock Performer intake, Dual snorkel air cleaner, K&N, Edelbrock headers, Catco 3" cat, Hooker 3" cat-back, Richmond 3.73's, Transgo shift kit, JET Stage 2 chip, Hypertech coil, Lakewood LCA's, Powertrax locker, SSM subframes, Centerline Auto Drag's

 

It's worth the $$ & effort for the street?
I have a great 3.42 axle with a 3.4 powerplant & tranny in my Firebird.
25 foot one leg burnouts is the norm. Would love to do a super quick 0-60 time frame, instead.
Can I install the open diff, in my S-10 Blazer rear axle? It has a 3:42 rear ratio, too.
I'll bet it can swap in easy.
My Blazer rear axle has 211,500 miles on it and it's tired. Would love to use parts, any I can get, for free rebuilding projects.

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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

 

To me, it was worth it--street or otherwise. But everybody has a different idea of 'worth it' Cost is about the same as an aftermarket posi unit, unless you get the cheap torsen unit. The S10 blazer swap should work. I know that some later model S10's got an 8.5 inch 10 bolt rear that won't work, but I don't know if that included the blazer.

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82 camaro--original steering wheel, brake/gas pedals, seats--everything else modified
82camaro